shopping - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T08:54:35Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/shopping8 Essential Items for Winter Travelhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/winter-travel-products-shopping2024-02-12T13:05:00.000Z2024-02-12T13:05:00.000ZJosé Balidohttps://tripatini.com/members/JoseBalido<div><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12378298064,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12378298064,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12378298064?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.pickpik.com/girl-in-winter-jacket-walking-snowy-forest-cold-79462" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>PickPik</em></span></a><br /> <br /> <br /> Winter may now already be on its way out, but if this one’s for anyone already thinking of next season. A couple of months ago, in preparation for a whirl through the winter wonderland above <strong>Norway</strong>’s <strong>Arctic Circle</strong>, I realized that the usual winter togs that serve me well enough in <strong>Spain</strong> just weren’t going to cut it in serious snow, ice, and temperatures forecasted to drop as low as 5⁼ Fahrenheit (-15⁼ Celsius). So I educated myself about what new cold-weather clothes gear I would need and what I´d need from them, then off a-shopping I went. Because cold-weather travel can actually be downright enjoyable when you´ve got the right stuff to keep you warm, comfy, and safe.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>An Insulated Winter Jacket</strong></span></p>
<p>Top of the list, of course! Look for garments with down or synthetic fill, which provide a high warmth-to-weight ratio. Check for features like a windproof and waterproof exterior, sealed seams, and adjustable hoods, which all enhance protection against harsh winter conditions. Some you’ll also find rated for comfort in certain temperatures. Brands like <a href="https://arcteryx.com/es/en"><strong>Arc'teryx</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us?CountryPref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenorthface.com%2F&RedirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenorthface.com%2F"><strong>The North Face</strong></a>, and <a href="https://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/home/"><strong>Patagonia</strong></a> are especially well known for their durable and high-performance winter jackets, suitable for both urban explorations and outback adventures. These can get rather pricey, but they don´t have to be – in our case, we found fairly sleek, well fitting house-brand jackets at a local branch of the <strong>France</strong>-based outdoor/sporting goods retailer <a href="https://www.decathlon.com/"><strong>Decathlon</strong></a> rated for 14⁼ F (-10⁼ C) for just 80 euros (just over $86), and they both did the job perfectly in the Arctic yet are also light enough to do quite nicely in the less extreme chill of wintertime <strong>Madrid</strong>.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12378302263,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12378302263,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12378302263?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://danishendurance.com/products/thermal-underwear-set-for-men-women?variant=47458269692241&currency=EUR&country=ES&keyword=" target="_blank">Danish Endurance</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Thermal Base Layers</strong></span></p>
<p>Regardless of your outerwear, keeping warm in winter is still all about layers - starting with thermal underwear - which help in retaining body heat and wicking away moisture to keep you dry. Merino wool is a popular material for its warmth, breathability, and odor resistance. Outdoor-oriented brands such as <strong><a href="https://danishendurance.com/" target="_blank">Danish Endurance</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.icebreaker.com/en-es/search?q=merino&msclkid=c4d98e4075871aab78d3eb84df9f77e1&gclsrc=ds">Icebreaker</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://www.smartwool.com/">Smartwool</a></strong> sell a range of thermal tops and bottoms which provide warmth without the bulk, making them perfect for layering. We did quite well, though, with a cotton-synthetic blend (again, from Decathlon) which was both light and insulating.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12378298300,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12378298300,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12378298300?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://negativespace.co/snow-boots-jeans-man-cold-shoes/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">Negative Space</span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> These Boots Are Made for Winter<br /> </strong></span></p>
<p>Keeping your feet warm and dry is crucial in winter conditions, and doughty, waterproof winter boots with good insulation and a grippy outsole provide the necessary warmth, protection, and traction on snow and ice. Look features like thermal lining, waterproof membranes (for example <strong><a href="https://www.gore-tex.com/" target="_blank">GORE-TEX</a></strong>), and sturdy construction. Outdoor-oriented <strong><a href="https://www.columbia.com/c/boots/">Columbia Sportswear</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.merrell.com/US/en/boots/">Merrell</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://www.sorel.com/">Sorel</a></strong> have a variety of styles which balance functionality and fashion for winter travel (for example, my handsome new blue <strong><a href="https://www.quechua.com/quechua-shoes">Quechua</a></strong> boots - a Decathlon brand - also have served me quite well both providing ample protection in the frigid tundra and slushy streets of the Arctic, yet also light and attractive enough to wear on the streets of Madrid).</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12378297698,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12378297698,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12378297698?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alchemist_x/50957413133/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>John Brighenti</em></span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Get a Grip on Gloves</strong></span></p>
<p>When it comes to this also crucial item, it helps to have a sense of what you’ll be doing, where, and how low the temps are likely to drop in the places you’ll be visiting. Basically it boils down to two choices. Mittens keep your finger together; typically providing more warmth but less dexterity; and come in a variety of materials, from wool to leather to synthetics. We certainly found them preferable while snowmobiling in Kirkenes, for eaxmple. In addition to various of the other manufacturers I´ve mentioned above, other mitten-makers to particularly look out for include <strong><a href="https://www.backcountry.com/" target="_blank">Backcountry</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_ES/" target="_blank">Black Diamond</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://www.give-r.com/" target="_blank">Give´R</a></strong>. </p>
<p>If being able to use your digits is especially important to you, there are also fingered gloves which are extra warm and insulated, from many of the companies listed above plus others such as <strong><a href="https://www.carhartt.com/c/accessories-gloves" target="_blank">Carhartt</a></strong>, which specializes in heavy-duty work and outdoor wear, and <strong><a href="https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/outdoor-research/" target="_blank">Outdoor Research</a></strong>, a British company whose thing is in lightweight outerwear. Other specialized versions of these include gloves designed for <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/skiing-snowboarding-ski-gloves" target="_blank">skiing/snowboarding</a> and even winter cycling. <br /> <br /> Finally, there are also a couple of further twists. One is heated gloves – powered by rechargable batteries and obviously a bit pricier – from heated-outerwear specialists such as <strong><a href="https://saviorheat.com/" target="_blank">Savoir Heat</a></strong>; if you don´t want to go that route all the way, you can opt for chemical or rechargeable-battery powered heat packs that slip into regular gloves or mittens. The other final twist is gloves designed to be warm yet unlike most others to be usable with smartphone screens, from brands like <strong><a href="https://us.moshi.com/products/copy-of-digits-touchscreen-gloves-2-0?variant=44005127061642" target="_blank">Moshi</a></strong>, The North Face and Outdoor Research.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12378303879,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12378303879,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12378303879?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://pxhere.com/en/photo/836983" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>PxHere</em></span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>A Charger on the Go<br /> </strong></span></p>
<p>I can personally attest that chilly weather can fast sap the battery life of your phone and other gadgets, so be sure to bring along a high-capacity power bank, and one that´s lightweight, durable, and has enough capacity to charge your devices multiple times. Top picks suitable for travelers here include <strong><a href="https://www.anker.com/collections/power-banks">Anker</a></strong>, the <strong>CHAMP</strong> series from <strong><a href="https://www.gonimble.com/products/champ-portable-charger-1">Nimble</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://www.ravpower.com/pages/about-us">RAVPower</a></strong>.</p>
<p><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12378310261,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12378310261,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12378310261?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a>PickPik</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Lip Balm and Skincare</strong></span></p>
<p>This one I'm especially well acquainted with, because regardless of weather my husband is addicted to lip balm. And cold, dry winter air can be harsh on your skin and lips, making moisturisers essential. Look for products with high moisturising properties and SPF protection to shield your skin from the cold and sun exposure, which can be especially intense in snowy environments.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12378299452,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12378299452,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12378299452?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a>PxHere</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>A Winterproof Travel Backpack or Bag</strong></span></p>
<p>Features to look for include water-resistant materials, multiple compartments for organisation, and ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly. Brands like <strong><a href="https://www.osprey.com/">Osprey</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.patagonia.com/shop/gear">Patagonia</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://www.thule.com/en-us/backpacks/backpacking-travel-backpacks">Thule</a></strong> are among the top go-tos for travel bags and backpacks designed to withstand the rigors of winter travel while keeping your stuff both secure and accessible.</p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12378297474,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12378297474,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12378297474?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://pxhere.com/en/photo/854307" target="_blank">Pxhere</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Get a Grip on Cleats?</strong></span><br /> <br /> This is a more specialized item, of course, for open spaces where you need traction on snow and ice, as well as even some cities and towns which don´t clear all their sidewalks – which is the case in the Arctic and even in larger cities including <strong>Oslo</strong>. So in <strong>Tromso</strong> we dutifully shelled out kroner equivalent of around $25 for a pair of cleats (though you can find cheapos online for as little as $8, while higher-end, high-performance versions can easily set you back $80 or more). Then as it turned out, we used them exactly once, because they <em>are</em> admittedly a bit of a hassle to slip on each time we needed them, and the sidewalks weren´t all that tough to navigate anyway (hey, anybody want to buy a couple of nearly new cleats for cheap?). So if you´re unsure, it might be worth checking out travel boards for comments to see if they might be worth buying for your destination.</p>
<p> </p></div>A Look at the Traditional Arts and Crafts of Kenyahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/traditional-arts-and-crafts-of-kenya2024-01-09T08:25:00.000Z2024-01-09T08:25:00.000ZDan Kariukihttps://tripatini.com/members/DenhumHolidays<div><p> <a href="https://www.denhumholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A-Look-at-Traditional-Arts-and-Crafts-of-Kenya-2-jpg.webp" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.denhumholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A-Look-at-Traditional-Arts-and-Crafts-of-Kenya-2-jpg.webp?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="A-Look-at-Traditional-Arts-and-Crafts-of-Kenya-2-jpg.webp?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p>
<p>For many, the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to <strong>Kenya</strong> is <a href="https://www.denhumholidays.com/10-explore-kenyas-wildlife-national-parks/" target="_blank">wildlife and safaris</a>. But visitors should also keep in mind this country´s rich artistic and cultural heritage - thanks to its more than 70 ethnic groups such as the <strong>Kikuyu</strong>, <strong>Kamba</strong>, <strong>Luhya</strong>, <strong>Maasai</strong>, and <strong>Kalenjin</strong> - both to witness (such as tribal dances) and to buy as mementos of their trip here (esecially masks, figurines, and other forms of sculpture). This beautiful country keeps the spirit of its ancestors alive through every move, every breath, and every piece of handmade art. There’s something so special about every tiny piece of wood that comes out of the hands of Kenyan artisans. Art in Kenya often depicts scenes from regular life or cultural practices. As you know, Kenya was a British colony for a long time (from 1920 to 1963, to be precise). But, not once was the spirit of the people broken during this time. Most conquered countries throughout history reflect their sorrow by making more toned-down and dark art. Not the Kenyans. The majority of the artwork found here is characterized by bold colors and vivid patterns. They rebelled against the darkness and always dreamed of independence. Once they reached it, it became the day of history they’re proud of the most. Right now, those vivid colors serve as a reminder to celebrate and be grateful for every breath and every day they live under the sun.</p>
<h2>Vibrant Jewelry Is an Essential Part of Kenya´s Traditional Arts and Crafts</h2>
<p>A great part of Kenyan culture is jewelry. Necklaces and bracelets made from <a href="https://www.denhumholidays.com/kazuri-beads/" target="_blank">beads</a> are widely available at shops and markets. But, interestingly, women are not the only ones using jewelry—quite the opposite. For example, soldiers of the Samburu people of north-central Kenya use hairstyles, jewelry, and ochre body painting to exquisitely delicate effect - highly valued among the <strong>Samburu</strong>, who put a premium on physical beauty and decoration (which in turn leads them to be dubbed “Butterflies” by neighboring tribes). Beaded jewelry is especially prevalent, especially among the Maasai, <strong>Rendille</strong>, Samburu, and <strong>Turkana</strong> tribes of the <strong>Great Rift Valley</strong>, and some of it quite elaborate and intricate, with colors and patterns conveying various kinds of symbolism. <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12347625668,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12347625668,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12347625668?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/94887823@N07/8692281514" target="_blank">Margot Kiser</a></em></span></p>
<h3><span style="font-size:14pt;">Tattoos for You</span></h3>
<p>The temporary, non-invasive adornment of the body using dye made from the henna plant is most often associated with <strong>India</strong> and parts of the <strong>Middle East</strong> such as <strong>Morocco</strong> and <strong>Egypt</strong>. But it´s also prized by various cultures in Africa, including Kenya, where henna tattooing is having something of a renaissance, often with flowery motifs. Most farmers’ markets have henna tattoo artists, and getting a henna tattoo (which fades with exfoliation after one to three weeks) is an excellent way to experience the culture and <a href="https://www.denhumholidays.com/best-travel-tips-for-better-trips/" target="_blank">enjoy the holidays here</a>. </p>
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<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/anli6AYKGnk?si=E_x_iItRKUUt1m5e" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<h2><br /> In Kenya, Music Is Life</h2>
<p>A central part of tribal ceremonies, Kenyan tribal dances and music sometimes use wooden drums wrapped with animal skin and sold in local markets. Dancing and singing aren´t just fun – it’s a way to live life being happy for what the future brings, and it’s a way to respect the past and all that’s already been. If you, for example, came here and said that you don’t know how to dance or how to sing (which is a common thing to say out of fear of being judged), Kenyans would look at you as if you said that you don’t know how to breathe. The concept of not knowing how to lose your body to the rhythm is unknown to them. Everybody contributes to making wonderful melodies - which by the way have also inspired Westerners have to incorporate them into their own music. So don’t be afraid to participate in the dancing around the fire (if you get invited by locals, of course), as it's one of <a href="https://www.denhumholidays.com/kenya-cultural-tours-and-safaris/" target="_blank">the best cultural experiences</a> you can have here. <br /> <br /> On another front, modern music is also a big part of the culture in cities such as Nairobi and <strong>Mombasa</strong>, with genres including taarab from <strong>Zanzibar</strong>, Congolese soukrous, and Kenya´s own benga and kalpop, alsong with imports such as Europop, funk, hip hop, reggae, soul, and rock.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.denhumholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A-Look-at-Traditional-Arts-and-Crafts-of-Kenya-4-jpg.webp" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.denhumholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/A-Look-at-Traditional-Arts-and-Crafts-of-Kenya-4-jpg.webp?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="A-Look-at-Traditional-Arts-and-Crafts-of-Kenya-4-jpg.webp?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p>
<h2>Evocative Tribal Masks</h2>
<p>During tribal ceremonies, masks show respect for the tribe’s ancient ancestors. Adding hair and jewels on a mask is a way of showing respect for the deceased. The gods, animals, spirits, and even ancestors are typically represented through the masks worn by the participants in these rituals. You´ll be able to pick up your own mask mementos at markets throughout the country - you can of course pick whatever appeals to you, or if you have a guide, ask his/her advice.</p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12355684655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12355684655,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12355684655?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lindadevolder/45211587404" target="_blank">Linda De Volder</a></em></span></p>
<h2>Wood and Soapstone Carving</h2>
<p>Animals, humans, masks, images from nature, and elaborate designs and patterns are just some of the subjects hand-carved into not just masks but figurines, as well as bowls, spoons, cups, and other household items. The <strong>Akamba</strong> tribe has a longstanding reputation as some of Kenya’s finest woodworkers and carvers, and the Island of <strong>Lamu</strong> is the hub of coastal carving, where <strong>Bajun</strong> tribal members are said to have inspired Arab artists to produce a distinctive fusion of styles. Meanwhile, some ethnic groups, such as the <strong>Kisii</strong> of the <strong>Tabaka Hills</strong> in the west, specialize in carving figurines and other objects in soapstone (above), which is composed of compressed talc. And you don’t even have to go far afield to find handmade treasures, many city markets - and even <a href="https://www.denhumholidays.com/best-nairobi-luxury-hotels/">hotels in Nairobi</a> and elsewhere offer traditional woodwork for sale.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12355694298,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12355694298,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12355694298?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8070463@N03/1195586795" target="_blank">Tambako The Jaguar</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Clothes Which Make the Kenyan</strong></span><br /> <br /> Many Kenyans these days wear Western-style clothing, and Arab-style garments are also worn by some among the 11 percent who are Muslim. But with some tribal groups, traditional dress is still more common. Among the Masai, for example, women still often don colorful wraps called kanga, set off by bead necklaces, and men are known for wearing red-checked, blanket-like shuka (red being considered the color of strength). Also known for their distinctive clothing, headdresses and accessories are the <strong>Turkana</strong> people of the north and the <strong>Samburu</strong> (closely related to the Masai). <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;word-spacing:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;display:inline;float:none;">Many of these, too, may be purchased in regional markets for visitors interested in accessorizing their own apparel with a Kenyan tribal touch. </span></p>
<p> </p></div>A Unique Caribbean Experience Comes to the States: Tijon Parfumerie Engages all the Senseshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/tijon-parfumerie-charleston-south-carolina-new-orleans-louisiana2023-10-05T20:23:39.000Z2023-10-05T20:23:39.000ZFyllis Hockmanhttps://tripatini.com/members/FyllisHockman<div><p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12240045855,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12240045855,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="12240045855?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Channeling a Chemist in the Making of Perfume. Photo by Victor Block</em></span></p>
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<p>There I was in my white lab coat examining the 40 different vials and trying to determine which combinations to mix to get the best outcome. Admittedly, I wasn’t enacting some important scientific discovery or creating a medical breakthrough but it felt almost that significant.</p>
<p>What if I screwed up, made ridiculous choices as to the most effective ingredients and came away with an awful smelling product. Yup, I was making perfume at the Tijon Parfumerie & Boutique on the French side (obviously!) of the Caribbean island of St. Martin.</p>
<p>First some background. The Parfumerie itself is a study in sensory overload; a cologne colony. There are over 300 individual oils to choose from. Of course, a little history is imparted before you’re let loose to create your own personal perfume. As an amateur “nose” – someone who uses oils to create new fragrances – you learn that heat, humidity and sunlight are the enemies of perfumes. There are natural essential oils and man-made fragrances. You must combine top notes, middle notes and base notes to fashion “an accord” that will constitute a pleasing perfume.</p>
<p>TIJON PARFUMERIE – WHEREVER YOU EXPERIENCE IT -- IS A FUN AND EXCITING EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER</p>
<p>Becoming a chemist is no easy task. There are a whole series of intricate steps to follow in the search for perfection. First, you choose three bottles from a series of 12 pre-mixed oils sporting such descriptions as “warm, exotic, rich earthy base,” “tropical, citrus blend,” or a “soft, floral base.” Then you select nine other oils – for three perfume creations -- from a selection of a mere 300. I randomly – because really, how else can you do it? – chose Beach, Cashmere, Grass, April Rain, Vanilla Oak, Sunflower, Amber Musk, Aqua Spa and Rose. After a while, I didn’t know whether to eat the flavors, bathe in them or plant them in a garden…</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12240046059,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12240046059,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="12240046059?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>So many steps to create the perfect fragrance. Photo by Victor Block</em></span></p>
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<p>And then using beakers and droppers – because yes, this IS a lab experiment – you yourself choose how to combine the different options of all the fragrances into three potential bottles of perfume. Once you determine which of the final prospects you like the best, you add a number of other chemical properties to solidify the perfume-making process so that your own personal perfume came be beautifully bottled and placed in a classy cloth carrying case.</p>
<p>And of course, it all ends with a champagne toast because, remember, you’re still in France. Voila! You are a perfume-maker. And every time you use the perfume -- which by the way, you have also named so that it is intrinsically yours – you will remember St. Martin.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12240046885,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12240046885,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="12240046885?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Tijon Charleston</em></span></p>
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<p>MARTIN’S TIJON PARFUMERIE RECENTLY OPENED IN CHARLESTON, SC AND NEW ORLEANS, LA</p>
<p>And now you can also remember New Orleans, Louisiana for something more than jazz and Charleston, South Carolina for other than its Low Country Cuisine. Tijon Parfumerie has expanded into those cities, one scent-making miracle at a time. Owner John Berglund first chose these two locations because of their French connections – historically part of a Caribbean trade route and currently both actually have French Quarters, though the Big Easy’s may be a tad more well known. And oh yes, they each attract lots of tourists!</p>
<p>The three friends who now own the Charleston franchise came by way of St. Martin. As Ben Davis, one of the partners, describes it: "I left Tijon St. Martin feeling like I had made the best perfume there ever was. I want to share that feeling with our customers in Charleston!" Which he and his friends have now been doing since July 2021.The New Orleans franchisees have a similar story.</p>
<p>In order to adapt the fragrances to their new locations, John tweaked the recipes to create a signature unisex fragrance collection for each location. For Charleston, he created three various samples trying to incorporate local flowers and materials and provided them with names that had connections to the area: Pink House, Indigo Row and Verdigris. The first refers to the oldest residential house in Charleston and the other two to an historically popular plant and paint color.</p>
<p>In New Orleans, he created a collection of four unisex fragrances, again trying to incorporate local flowers and materials, and gave them local names that resonate to their location: Vieux Carre, Flambeaux, Fleur de Lis and Croquere. Croquere, he explains, “was a mulotto master swordsman of the early 19<sup>th</sup> century who fought many duels, was a dueling instructor and was called by many as the most handsome man in New Orleans.” Now? He’s been reduced to “a popular herbaceous New Orleans blend of soft citrus, warm woods and leather with Cajun spice undertones to create a rich, sensual, and harmonious scent.” I’m sure he’d be proud to be a perfume.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12240048088,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12240048088,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="12240048088?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Tijon NOLA</em></span></p>
<p><br />Already Tijon’s new locations are enjoying the smell – or more appropriately the many smells -- of sweet success so more U.S. cities are likely to added soon. Says Berglund: “We are looking forward to expanding to other cities to share these very special perfume experiences, and have begun conversations with potential franchisees, most of whom have already experienced Tijon as a customer.” As a customer myself, I’m excited for those cities. For more information, visit <a href="http://tijon.com" target="_blank">tijon.com</a>, <a href="http://tijon.com/nola" target="_blank">tijon.com/nola</a> and <a href="http://Charleston.tijon.com" target="_blank">Charleston.tijon.com</a>.</p>
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<p> </p></div>Must-Have Products in Jaipur, India, a Shopper's Paradisehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/jaipur-rajasthan-india-shopping2023-05-29T09:02:21.000Z2023-05-29T09:02:21.000Zridecabjodhpurhttps://tripatini.com/members/ridecabjodhpur<div><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11152910296,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11152910296,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11152910296?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blue_pottery_from_Jaipur_4.jpg" target="_blank">Atcelsius</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /></span><span style="font-weight:400;">The city of <strong>Jaipur</strong>, capital of the state of <strong>Rajasthan</strong>, is well-known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and beautiful architecture that it possesses. In addition to its magnificent palaces and forts, the city of Jaipur is renowned as a shopper's paradise. The city offers a wide variety of one-of-a-kind and must-buy items that will delight any visitor, book here a </span><a href="https://www.jcrcab.com/book-taxi-service-in-jaipur-jcrcab/"><strong>taxi service in Jaipur</strong></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> or a </span><a href="https://www.jcrcab.com/book-taxi-service-in-jaipur-jcrcab/"><strong>car hire in Jaipur</strong></a><span style="font-weight:400;">. These items range from fine jewellery and textiles to traditional handicrafts and jewellery.</span></p>
<p><strong>Jewellery</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Jewellery made in Jaipur is renowned across the world, particularly for the quality of its precious and semi-precious gemstones. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">The city is recognized as the "Gem Capital of India," and it features a diverse selection of jewellery, including gold, silver, and Kundan jewellery, which is traditional to the state of Rajasthan.</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings that are exquisitely carved and studded with sparkling gemstones like emeralds, diamonds, and sapphires may be found in the crowded Johari Bazaar as well as in the Gem Palace.</span></p>
<p> <strong>Materials for Textiles and Fabrics</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"> The city is well-known for its extensive textile legacy, which includes everything from delicately embroidered linens to vivid block-printed fabrics. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Cotton, silk, and chiffon are just some of the several types of fabrics that can be purchased by guests, and they are available in a dizzying array of colours and designs.</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Traditional Rajasthani clothing, such as Bandhani (tie-dye) sarees, leheriya (tie-dye) turbans, and delicately embroidered quilts known as Jaipuri razais, can be found in the bustling markets of Jaipur, such as Bapu Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar. These markets are good places to buy traditional Rajasthani apparel.</span></p>
<p> <strong>Traditional Jaipur Handicrafts</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Jaipur is renowned for its creative prowess and expert craftsmanship, both of which are reflected in the city's traditional handicrafts. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Items made by hand, such as marble sculptures, brassware, blue pottery, and wooden carvings, are favourites among visitors.</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> The city is home to a large number of marketplaces and bazaars, many of which are devoted to displaying these exquisite handicrafts. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Locations such as Chandpole Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar provide customers with access to a diverse selection of elaborately created handicrafts. These handicrafts are ideal for use as mementos or as components of interior design.</span></p>
<p><strong>Blue Pottery</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Jaipur is famous worldwide for its one-of-a-kind blue pottery (top), which can be recognized by its vivid blue and white motifs. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">This time-honoured craft is characterised by its use of quartz stone and glass in its construction, and its practice has been handed down through the generations.</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> There is a diverse selection of blue ceramic objects available for guests to peruse, such as beautiful tiles, vases, plates, and bowls. At the Jaipur Blue Pottery Art Centre, visitors get the opportunity to not only purchase genuine blue pottery but also watch the labour-intensive process that goes into the production of these stunning pieces.</span></p>
<p><strong>Items Made of Leather<br /> <br /> </strong><span style="font-weight:400;">Additionally, Jaipur is renowned for the superior quality of its leather items. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">In marketplaces such as MI Road and Bapu Bazaar, vacationers can find a variety of leather goods, such as handbags, wallets, belts, and shoes, among other leather goods.</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Leather goods are created by Jaipur's talented artisans utilising time-honoured methods, and the resulting products are works of art. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Customers choose these items since they are not only trendy but also long-lasting, making them a popular option overall.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Discovering the brilliant colours, rich history, and creative traditions of Rajasthan while wandering around the bustling markets and bazaars of Jaipur is an adventure in and of itself that allows you to immerse yourself in the city's atmosphere. Consequently, if you find yourself in the charming city of Jaipur, don't pass up the chance to indulge in some retail therapy and bring a bit of this city's cultural legacy back with you.</span></p></div>Luscious Lee County, Florida in the Wake of Last Fall's Hurricane Ianhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/lee-county-fort-myers-bonita-springs-florida2023-04-16T18:35:00.000Z2023-04-16T18:35:00.000ZFyllis Hockmanhttps://tripatini.com/members/FyllisHockman<div><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11018902463,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11018902463,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11018902463?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.visitflorida.com/listing/shangri-la-springs/15331/" target="_blank">Visit Florida</a></em></span></p>
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<p>Walking along the <strong>Fort Myers Yacht Basin</strong> in the center of the city, you'd never know that several short months ago it was littered with boats and destruction, havoc wreaked by Hurricane Ian in late September 2022 - the worst storm to hit Florida since 1935 and the world's third costliest on record. The feeling of calm felt almost eerie as I remembered the horrific TV images of months past. Nonetheless, this Lee County city along with nearby Bonita Springs are beach towns, bastions of sun and surf for snowbirds and vacationers, yet beaches remain closed and without facilities – possibly true for the foreseeable future. So I found myself seeking other entertainment options – and I wasn’t disappointed. There are still nature parks, island cruises have just started up again, hiking, of course, canoeing, boat excursions, flea markets, historic sites but I’m going to focus on three unusual attractions that don’t usually fall on the must-see itinerary.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11018745462,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11018745462,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11018745462?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em> Shangri-La</em></span><em><span style="font-size:8pt;"> Springs Resort</span><br /> <br /> </em><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Shangri-La Springs Resort in Bonita Springs Very Much Lives Up to Its Name</strong></span><em><br /> <br /> <br /> </em><span style="font-size:10pt;">Shangri-La Springs, which usually conjures up a fantastical paradise, is actually where the springs that give the city of Bonita Springs its name were first discovered by the Calusa Indians - the first mineral springs spa in <strong>North America</strong>.- and this 102-year-old hotel with just eight rooms on 8½ acres oozes history and healing inside and out. Asian art proliferates throughout the property, inside and out. It’s a boutique hotel impersonating an art gallery. Even the lobby aquarium has tiny Asian sculptures. The fish, I assume, were local.</span></p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11018745875,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11018745875,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11018745875?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><em><span style="font-size:8pt;">Shangri-La Resort</span><br /> <br /> </em>At the <strong>Harvest and Wisdom Restaurant</strong> (above) I felt my mind expand even as I was being seated. Architecture, landscape, and gardens provide extensive farm-to-table offerings. With only regenerative farming practices used, the 100-percent organic, sustainable products preserve the natural state of the plants. This was now over my pay grade dealing with essential oils, natural yeasts, and beneficial bacteria, but I was pretty sure the vegetables I was eating were pretty fresh.<em><br /> </em></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11018751662,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11018751662,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11018751662?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><em>The Shangri-La springs were originally discovered by the Calusa Indians and gave the city of Bonita its name Photo courtesy of Shangri-La Resort</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> The springs themselves (above) resemble a small river floating under extensive tree canopies (of course, the large fountain in the center wasn't there when they were discovered). The grounds bring to mind a mini-botanical garden (not the only Bonita Springs hideaway to do so but more on that later), proffering a quiet, restful ambiance accentuated by streams, fountains and sculptures. And then there’s the spa, which reflects internally the graceful, serene exterior.</span></p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11018751852,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11018751852,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11018751852?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Victor Block</em></span></p>
<p><br /> So from the sublime to the ridiculous – and I say that in the most loving of ways…. As a longtime travel writer, there are a few things I find anathema due to <em>de rigueur</em> repetitive visits. I tend to avoid tours of forts, butterfly gardens, and shell factories. But the <strong><a href="https://www.shellfactory.com/" target="_blank">Shell Factory and Nature Park</a></strong> in Fort. Myers beckoned despite my internal protestations. And what an adventure it turned out to be!</p>
<p>Apparently they left off amusement park in the site’s name, because these are the activities I first noticed: a carousel, mini-golf, zipline, climbing wall, gem mining, paddle and bumper boats, arcade games, a performance arts center, and a pair of restaurants. And oh yes, there is also a huge shop that sells shell necklaces. Well, okay – perhaps a tad more than that. How about the "world’s largest shell factory. " including the USA's largest gift shop?</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11018752465,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11018752465,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11018752465?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Victor Block<br /> </em></span></p>
<p><br /> This is a place so big it warrants its own zip code and - no surprise - it has their own post office. In addition, there’s a fudge factory (above), a Christmas store, ice cream bar, t-shirts galore, more greeting cards than in a Hallmark warehouse (maybe several warehouses…) and miles and miles of quirky items you never knew you wanted until you tripped over them. <br /> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11018752487,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11018752487,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11018752487?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Victor Block</em></span></p>
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<p><br /> They have everything and all of it in abundance, attested to by a self-aware sign that states: “If you can’t find something in this store, they just don’t make it!” And that includes the kitsch-en sink…..</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11018752893,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11018752893,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11018752893?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Wonder Gardens</em></span></p>
<p><br /> And did I mention the nature park? The <strong><a href="https://wondergardens.org/" target="_blank">Wonder Gardens</a></strong> in Bonita Springs are home to some 450 animals ranging from the expected alligators, tortoises and peacocks to the lesser expected (lemurs, camels, and various reptiles) to virtually unknown (tayras, caracels and a huge Eurasian eagle-owl). There's also a petting zoo with goats, alpacas, and an ox, as well as a "dinosaur park" giving visitors a chance to walk through our prehistoric past (these of course were the only animals who weren't real). Although I suspect the animals are well-taken care of, some of the habitats felt a little cramped and I wasn’t sorry to leave.</p>
<p><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11018752699,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11018752699,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11018752699?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></em><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Wonder Gardens</em></span></p>
<p><br /> Scarlett, Calypso, Rudy, and Murphy act as a very colorful and loud welcoming committee. Compared to the Shell Factory, these parrots are in luxury outdoor accommodations. Visiting the various rescued animals over three very airy and well-signed acres – alligators to tortoises, flamingos to lorikeets, over bridges and walkways, alongside streams and splashing waterfalls, amid an avalanche of tropical plants – the feeling is one of expansiveness and immersion in nature, with an appreciation of what a wonderful home these animals have. I suspect many of then think they are still in the wild.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11018753678,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11018753678,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11018753678?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Victor Block</em></span></p>
<p> <br /> Whether an exotic plant, animal or waterfall, there’s something to gawk at around every turn. My personal favorite? A giant orange and black iguana straddling a tree. Squawks, shrieks, yelps and tweets (no, not THAT kind) reinforce the jungle atmosphere. Even the few cages on the property are expansive enough to resemble the same jungle impression prevalent outside of them.<br /> <br /> So apparently I have to rethink my aversion to "shell factories." But the Everglades Wonder Garden in Bonita Springs -- a sort of hidden gem -- left all thoughts of its nature park behind – it was a place I didn’t want to leave. If you’re old enough to remember the “roadside attraction” concept – this one dates back to 1936 – it usually conjures up an image of very unhappy animals in a very unsavory environment. Though a step back in time to a mainstay of Florida tourism, this roadside attraction evokes a totally different mind-set. It is the “later” I alluded to earlier, though more of a semi-tropical rainforest than botanical garden.</p>
<p>Even as I re-read this, I realize how much of Lee County involves a natural habitat of sorts. So yes, Bonita Springs and Ft. Myers may be all about beaches, but they are also, thankfully, all about nature. Besides, who had time to sunbathe?<br /> <br /> For more on Lee County, click <a href="https://www.visitfortmyers.com/lee-vcb" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
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<p> </p></div>Travel/Hospitality Businesses Which Are Taking a Lead in Environmental Protectionhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/responsible-travel-companies-environmental-protection-ecotourism2023-01-21T09:10:00.000Z2023-01-21T09:10:00.000ZVictor Blockhttps://tripatini.com/members/VictorBlock<div><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F37ae6e6d-5930-4c0f-9dc8-98ffb8177747_1800x1200.jpeg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" style="padding:10px;" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F37ae6e6d-5930-4c0f-9dc8-98ffb8177747_1800x1200.jpeg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F37ae6e6d-5930-4c0f-9dc8-98ffb8177747_1800x1200.jpeg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></em></span></p>
<p>As <strong>Daniel</strong> and <strong>Martha Everett</strong> and their two children enjoyed a trip to <strong>Florida</strong>'s <strong>Walt Disney World</strong>, their focus was on entertainment and excitement rather than the environment. And when <strong>Barbara</strong> and <strong>Andy Allen</strong> checked into a <strong>Boston</strong> hotel, they wanted to fit as many sights as possible into their two-day visit. They gave little thought to how their stay might impact the ecosystem.</p>
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<div class="fake-input-wrapper"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Look Who’s Acting to Preserve and Protect the Environment</strong></span></div>
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<p><br /> Despite their lack of awareness, these folks were combining a bit of R&R with examples of efforts to help preserve and protect the earth’s environment. Little did they know that entertainment venues, lodgings, tour companies and others are taking steps large and small to lessen any negative impact of human activity on Mother Nature. Some efforts, like replacing high-energy light bulbs and heavy-flow shower heads, are well known. Others are more imaginative, and can be even more impactful.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>To Mickey Mouse, Saving the Environment Is no Laughing Matter</strong></span></p>
<p>To cite one example, the <a href="https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Walt Disney Company</strong></a>’s commitment to environmental stewardship goes back to its founding almost a century ago. Current activities range from the mundane, like eliminating single-use plastic and using non-potable water, when possible, to running excursion trains and river boats on fuel made from recycled cooking oil, and installing a solar facility intended to power two theme parks in <strong>Orlando</strong>. Also, people interested in hydroponic farming come there to study that activity (above). </p>
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<p> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Hotels Large and Small Take Environmental Actions Large and Small<br /> </strong></span></p>
<p>Hotels play a leading environmental role, and the <strong>Boston</strong>-based <strong><a href="https://saundershotelgroup.com/" target="_blank">Saunders Hotel Group</a></strong> ihas long been at the forefront of that effort. It has implemented more than 115 measures to reduce its environmental footprint and raise awareness among staff, guests, and local communities. One imaginative project is tending beehives on the roof of its historic <strong><a href="https://www.lenoxhotel.com/" target="_blank">Lenox Hotel</a></strong> and serving the honey to guests. Saunders’ latest project is constructing a five-star <strong><a href="https://saundershotelgroup.com/saunders-hotel-group-properties/raffles-boston/" target="_blank">Raffles Hotel & Residences</a></strong>, the first of that renowned company’s properties in the <strong>United States</strong>. It will be a <strong><a href="https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/us-green-building-councils-leadership-energy-and-environmental-design-leedr" target="_blank">Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)</a></strong> Gold building, and will further demonstrate why Saunders has won a Presidential Gold Medal and other honors for its programs.</p>
<p>Smaller places of accommodation also have boarded the environmental bandwagon. Efforts at the 33-room <strong><a href="https://boulderhotsprings.com/" target="_blank">Boulder Hot Springs Inn, Spa & Retreat</a></strong> in <strong>Boulder</strong>, <strong>Montana</strong>, (above) fit its <a href="https://boulderhotsprings.com/about-the-inn/philosophy-of-boulder-hot-springs/" target="_blank">" green hotel" goal</a> of “living with the planet instead of destroying it, or using it up.” In addition to common conservation projects, these include remodeling the heating system to take advantage of local geothermal waters and studying use of the waters to generate electricity. The property also is restoring the adjacent natural wetlands, which had been drained to provide pasture; this has resulted in return of moose, antelope, deer and other wildlife to what had been a protected sanctuary.<br /> <br /> These are just two premier examples of the many being instituted in the hospitality industry across the <strong>USA</strong> and the world.<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10934524052,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10934524052,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10934524052?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.destinyusa.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/05/2021-04-05-DUSA-Media-Kit-smlr.pdf" target="_blank">Destiny USA</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Some Shopping Malls Going Greener<br /> </strong></span></p>
<p>Although the Disney has been an environmental pioneer, these days it’s far from the only entertainment business that has developed a green thumb. Six-story mega-mall <strong><a href="https://www.destinyusa.com/" target="_blank">Destiny USA</a></strong> in <strong>Syracuse</strong>, <strong>New York</strong> - the state's largest - boasts more than 250 places to shop, dine, and enjoy a variety of entertainment. Its 26 million annual visitors of course produce a torrent of trash and other waste, with which the center deals responsibly enough to make it the world's largest commercial building to have won LEED Gold certification. Efforts there got underway during construction back in the late 1980s - making it a veritable pioneer - using over 90 percent of materials recovered from landfills and making some flooring of rapidly renewing crushed cork and walnut shells. A solar-reflective “cool roof” conserves energy and rainwater harvesting saves four million gallons of water annually.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Cruise Ships Are among the Rising Tide of Environment-friendly Outfits</strong></span></p>
<p>Speaking of water, <a href="https://travel.usnews.com/features/5-ways-cruise-lines-are-becoming-more-environmentally-friendly" target="_blank">cruise lines have instituted a variety of measures to lessen their notorious environmental impact</a>, lead by boutique small-vessel lines such as <strong><a href="https://www.amadeus-rivercruises.com/" target="_blank">Amadeus River Cruises</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.starclippers.com/eu/" target="_blank">Star Clippers</a></strong> sailing fleet, and <strong><a href="https://www.uniworld.com/us" target="_blank">Uniworld</a></strong> river cruises but also including initiatives by the cruise giants. Among them, new ships employ state-of-the-art waste management systems which shred trash, compact glass and metal as well as incinerate paper and plastic.<br /> <br /> One leader in this area is Washington-State-based <strong><a href="https://uncruise.com/" target="_blank">UnCruise Adventures</a></strong> (above), whose small ships (with fewer than 100 passengers) travel to <strong>Alaska</strong>, <strong>Central America</strong>, and <strong>Hawaii</strong>, as well as its home region, the <strong>Pacific Northwest</strong>. As a member of the <a href="http://www.passengervessel.com/green-waters.html" target="_blank"><strong>Passenger Vessel Association</strong>’s <strong>Green Waters Program</strong></a>, UnCruise adheres to its “leave no trace” motto on all voyages, with every effort made to reduce fuel consumption, conserve energy and drinking water, and decrease the use of harmful chemicals. </p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>A Number of Tour Operators Also Set and Follow Eco Guidelines</strong></span></p>
<p>Various land-based outfits observe many of similar self-imposed rules. For example, <a href="https://www.oattravel.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Overseas Adventure Travel</strong> (<strong>OAT)</strong></a>, part of the <strong><a href="https://www.gct.com/" target="_blank">Grand Circle Corporation</a></strong> family of companies, connects customers with the people and cultures of destinations around the world (such as <strong>Ecuador</strong>'s <strong>Galapagos Islands</strong> (top), working to convey knowledge of and respect for local communities as well as supporting a variety of enterprises, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship projects. And when it comes to natural areas, OAT stresses sustainable transport, with an emphasis on environmental conservation and improving the well-being of the locals; among other things, in communities it visits, the company supports water and sanitation projects, co-ops, orphanages, and other organizations (to cite just one example, it helped fund construction of a women’s center in <strong>Morocco</strong>).<br /> <br /> The website <strong><a href="https://www.travelstride.com/" target="_blank">TravelStride.com</a> </strong>is a great source of information about group tours and other trips, and a search for <a href="https://www.travelstride.com/guide/eco-sustainable-green-travel-tours" target="_blank">eco, sustainable, and green travel tours and travel packages</a> turns up hundreds of compelling options. For example, <strong><a href="https://www.globalbasecamps.com/" target="_blank">Global Basecamps</a></strong> takes participants to <strong>Costa Rica</strong> (above) - considered the birthplace of environmental travel, dating back to the 1980s - from bird watching to seeing tiny turtles hatch and race toward the water to experiencing the magnificent <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/monteverde-cloud-forest-costa-rica" target="_blank"><strong>Monteverde Cloud Forest</strong>.</a> With such experience, visitors gain a greater appreciation of the world in which we live, and added impetus to protect it.</p>
<p><br /> Whatever it’s called – ecotourism, environmental travel, responsible travel, sustainable tourism – the trend is here to stay. Whatever your preferences, there no doubt are places to visit and ways to get there that will meet them.</p>
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</div></div>7 Top Shopping Stops in Cambodiahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/shopping-cambodia-siem-reap-pnom-penh2021-08-14T08:57:01.000Z2021-08-14T08:57:01.000ZMentoeng Vihttps://tripatini.com/members/MentoengVi<div><div id="ultimate-heading-7696117042c780ab" class="uvc-heading ultimate-heading-7696117042c780ab uvc-5911" style="text-align:left;"><div class="uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive" style="font-weight:normal;color:#000000;margin-top:-5px;"><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><a href="https://www.triplekangkor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Made-in-Cambodia-Market-01B-730.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.triplekangkor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Made-in-Cambodia-Market-01B-730.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" width="750" alt="Made-in-Cambodia-Market-01B-730.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.triplekangkor.com/" target="_blank">TripleKAngkor.com</a></em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;">Every holiday trip can’t be ended without buying souvenirs back home for friends, relatives or family. In each country, the locals sell different, skillfully crafted, local handicrafts and lovely gifts for tourists in term of promoting a country tourism, culture and earning for the daily living. Purchasing those souvenirs should be started with bargaining at most of places and shoulPd not bargain at a few some places that you know those works for social enterprise, non-profit workshops etc, here you’re better to know where the best places to get affordable souvenirs to avoid fake products, cheat, overpriced and scam.</p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:17px;"><strong>Old Market (Phsar Chas)</strong></span><br /> <br /> <br /> This Pnom Penh market is popular for visitors to wander around for shopping as well as there are chances to see locals exchange or trade their local productions such as vegetables, meats, grocery etc and there are a lot of stores selling antique furniture, statues, painting, handicraft, gorgeous tee shirts and other various souvenirs. There are food stores you may want to try, serve different types of local food with reasonable prices.<br /></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:17px;"><strong>Made in Cambodia Market<br /></strong></span> <br /> Located in Siem Reap, this market (top) is packed with colorful, original arrays of food, art, clothing, homewares, cosmetics, toys, jewellery, and more - and all, as the name attests, made in Cambodia, in stark contrast to every other market in town, where the majority of the wares sold are generic junk made in China, Vietnam, or Thailand. Those who visit Made In Cambodia have the opportunity to purchase artistically crafted products and luxury goods that redefine what it means to be made in Cambodia today. Each item for sale has been produced by a new generation of talented Cambodians. It's open from noon to 10 pm, and there's an hourlong traditional dance performance staged (free of charge from 6-7pm every Saturday.<br /></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:17px;"><strong>Artisan d’Angkor Wood & Stone Carving Centre</strong></span><br /> <br /> Artisans Angkor has developed from the ambitious belief that it is possible to revive ancient Khmer Arts & Crafts while improving the lives of thousands of people living in rural areas. Not only has Artisans Angkor become a company dedicated to the preservation of traditional Khmer skills in silk-making, stone and wood carving, lacquering and painting, but it is also an organization committed to promote the development of individuals and secure their future by the means of education and welfare. Today, Artisans Angkor is proud to show that Cambodian handicraft is still alive and more creative than ever.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:17px;"><strong><br /> Angkor Night Market</strong></span><br /> <br /> Siem Reap's first night market makes for a great stroll in the evening until late at night, where you can also bargain and shopping for items that make great mementos of your visit. There are a lot of souvenir stores selling various local handicrafts, stylish clothes, caps, hats, colorful handbags and so on. At there, you can also find fish massage or general head & foot massage and small bar serving local beer, shakes and other spirits. It is a nice place for tourists to experience and see nightlife.<br /></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:17px;"><strong>Street Alley West</strong></span><br /> <br /> The best Siem Reap street for those looking for gorgeous boutique shops and galleries with plenty of excellent local products such as Buddha statues; paintings; beautifully clothes; and crafts including silk products..</p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:17px;"><strong>Puok Silk Farm</strong></span><br /> <br /> If you're look for silk products, Siem Reap's Puok Silk Farm is highly recommended, displaying and selling various traditional silk products and you also have chance to visit their workshop, worm farm and observe the silkmaking process. You may find why prices are higher than the ones at old market or at any stores, don’t worry; the money you spend is quite suitable for the superior quality.</p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:17px;"><strong>Supermarkets</strong></span><br /> <br />There are plenty of supermarkets around Siem Reap, but we recommend a few of them which save your time on looking your favorite items. <strong>Angkor Market</strong> sells most of the things you need, especially international goods, whereas otherwise <strong>Angkor Lucky Mall</strong> and <strong>Asian Supermarket</strong> are top choices.</p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>More Info</strong></span></p></div></div><div id="ultimate-heading-9456117042c780d3" class="uvc-heading ultimate-heading-9456117042c780d3 uvc-1414" style="text-align:left;"><div class="uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive" style="font-weight:normal;">› <span style="color:#3366ff;"><a href="https://www.triplekangkor.com/about-cambodia/" target="_blank">Introduction to Cambodia</a></span><br /> › <span style="color:#3366ff;"><a href="https://www.triplekangkor.com/indochina-travel-guides/cambodia-popular-tourist-attraction/" target="_blank">Cambodia attractions</a></span><br /> › <span style="color:#3366ff;"><a href="https://www.triplekangkor.com/about-cambodia/siem-reap-tourist-attractions/" target="_blank">Siem Reap attractions</a><br /> <span style="color:#000000;">›</span> <a href="https://www.triplekangkor.com/about-cambodia/siem-reap-things-do-see/" target="_blank">Things to do & see</a></span><br /> › <span style="color:#3366ff;"><a href="https://www.triplekangkor.com/indochina-travel-guides/best-time-visit-cambodia/" target="_blank">When is best to visit?</a></span><br /> › <span style="color:#3366ff;"><a href="https://www.triplekangkor.com/indochina-travel-guides/getting-to-cambodia/" target="_blank">How to get to Cambodia?</a></span><br /> › <span style="color:#3366ff;"><a href="https://www.triplekangkor.com/indochina-travel-guides/where-to-stay-in-cambodia/" target="_blank">Where to stay in Cambodia?</a></span><br /> › <span style="color:#3366ff;"><a style="color:#3366ff;" href="https://www.triplekangkor.com/indochina-travel-guides/where-to-eat-drink-cambodia/">Food & drink</a></span><br /> <span style="color:#3366ff;"><span style="color:#000000;">›</span> <a href="https://www.triplekangkor.com/about-cambodia/faqs/" target="_blank">Cambodia FAQ</a></span></div><div class="uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive" style="font-weight:normal;"></div></div></div>A Quick, Handy Intro to Greecehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/greece-travel-overview-tips2020-05-19T05:30:00.000Z2020-05-19T05:30:00.000ZHenry LIohttps://tripatini.com/members/HenryLIo<div><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> <a href="https://storage.needpix.com/rsynced_images/athens-1891719_1280.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://storage.needpix.com/rsynced_images/athens-1891719_1280.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" width="750" alt="athens-1891719_1280.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span><span style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.needpix.com/photo/815910/athens-greece-acropolis-greek-places-of-interest-antique-sightseeing-temple-temple-complex" target="_blank">sman_5</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Not many countries in Europe can offer you the multitude of attractions of Greece, including sandy</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">beaches with limpid waters; ancient ruins and citadels;</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">lush forests;</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">delicious cuisine; numerous cultural festivals; and relaxed lifestyle, not as fast paced as many developed European countries. </span> <span style="font-weight:400;">There are simply so many amazing cities and regions in this relatively small country, and choosing among them can be challenging. But here's a quick look at some of its highlights to help you decide, whether you visit independently or with <a href="https://traveltriangle.com/tour-packages/greece" target="_blank">Greece tour packages</a></span><span style="font-weight:400;">.<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Some Top Greek Destinations</strong></span><br /> <br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;"><strong><a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/7-musts-athens-greece" target="_blank">Athens</a></strong><br /> <br /> Chances are you'll fly into the nation's capital first, and this ancient city is a delight for visitors, with enough remarkable sights and experiences to fill your entire holiday. They include the picturesque old quarter, Plaka; impressive museums packed with treasures of classical antiquity and the Byzantine Middle Ages; amazing restaurants from traditional to cutting-edge nouvel; and of course the iconic ruins of the ancients, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon. And when the sun goes down, the nightlife heats up. In short, Athens is awesome!<br /> <br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;"><strong><a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/nafplio-greece" target="_blank">Nafplio</a></strong><br /> <br /> This port on the Peloponnese Peninsula is known as one of the country's prettiest, most enticing, and most romantic towns, and that plus its closeness to Athens - less than two hours - makes it a popular weekend getaway for Athenians. Nafplio's impressive heritage includes impressive neoclassical and Renaissance Venetian Renaissance mansions, as well as the awe-inspiring, Baroque Palamidi fortress, built by the Venetians in the early 18th century. <br /> <br /> <strong>Olympia</strong> <br /> <br /> Also on the Peloponnese, this archaeological site is where the ancient Olympic Games were held. Some 70 structures in various states of ruin can be explored, and there's also an 138-year-old (but modernized) archaeological museum full of impressive finds from Olympia and the surrounding region. . <br /> <br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Hydra Island</strong> <br /> <br /> One of the most beautiful of Greece's many islands, it lies in the Saronic Gulf a short distance off the Peloponnese (also making it one of the closest to Athens). It is a gem for the marble-cobbled lanes, lovely stone architecture, and gorgeous harbor views of its main settlement, Hydra Town, and outside town visitors are mesmerized by its lovely beaches, crystalline waters, and magnificent coastal hikes. As an added bonus, it's one of the few Greek islands with no cars, or even scooters. Transport is on foot, by donkey, or water taxi.</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> <br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Other Places</strong><br /> <br /> Hydra of course is just one of hundreds of Greek islands scattered across the Aegean Sea, with other top choices such as well known <a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/6-musts-on-the-greek-island-of-crete" target="_blank">Crete</a>, <a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/windmills-discos-mykonos-greece" target="_blank">Mykonos</a>, <a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/5-reasons-why-rhodes-is-worth-your-visit" target="_blank">Rhodes</a>, and <a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/santorini-greece" target="_blank">Santorini</a>, but also the likes of Amorgos, Ios, Paxos, and Serifos, Other worthwhile mainland spots on the mainland include Monemvasia in the Peloponnese with its famous medieval fortress, dubbed "the Gibraltar of the East"; the ancient ruins of Hellenic Delphi and pre-Hellenic Mycenae; and <a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/greek-simplicity-top-10-budget-hotels-in-thessaloniki" target="_blank">Thessaloniki</a>, Greece's second city. a vibrant mix of the ancient, the medieval, and the modern.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Romantic_island_Hydra%2C_Greece_%2844149679694%29.jpg/800px-Romantic_island_Hydra%2C_Greece_%2844149679694%29.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Romantic_island_Hydra%2C_Greece_%2844149679694%29.jpg/800px-Romantic_island_Hydra%2C_Greece_%2844149679694%29.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" width="800" alt="800px-Romantic_island_Hydra%2C_Greece_%2844149679694%29.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Romantic_island_Hydra,_Greece_(44149679694).jpg" target="_blank">dronepicr</a></em></span><br /> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><b><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">When to Visit</span></b></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> The tourist season is between Easter and October, but off season can also be rewarding, and frankly, the peak of summer should be avoided if high temperatures and/or big crowds are a turn off for you (hotel rates also spike in summer). The winter, meantime, is a mixed bag; rates go down but turbulent sea conditions may affect transport reliability.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/20090728_palamidi90.jpg/800px-20090728_palamidi90.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/20090728_palamidi90.jpg/800px-20090728_palamidi90.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" width="800" alt="800px-20090728_palamidi90.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20090728_palamidi90.jpg" target="_blank">Jeanhousen</a></em></span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><b><br /> <br /></b></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><b>Getting Around in Greece<br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> You may use a rail pass when touring Greece but the railway network here is not as robust as they are in some other European countries; international trains, meanwhile, connect</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Thessaloniki and Athens but not many other cities and towns.</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">You can find plenty of cheap flights from most places in Europe and other continents into Athens and sometimes Thessaloniki and key islands. <br /> <br /> As for intra-city road travel, there is a decent amount of bus service, but its frequency goes down significantly in off season. In some cases visitors are better advised to either rent a car or take organized motorcoach tours. <br /> <br /> And speaking of the islands, quite a few ferries connects Athens with a number of them, as well as ports in Italy and Turkey, and there is of course ferry service of various frequency (and in winter, reliability) between Greek islands, not all of which transport cars as well as passengers; most ferry services have websites and allow advance online booking. Some of the islands also have air service connecting them with Athens.</span> <b><br /></b> <span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009425884,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009425884,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009425884?profile=original" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/132646954@N02/43959303125" target="_blank">Falco Emert</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> <b><span style="font-size:12pt;">Other Useful Tips</span> <br /> <br /></b> If history is a draw for you, the majority of major monuments and archaeological sites are to be found on the mainland (with notable island exceptions like Crete and Rhodes). In addition, traveling between mainland towns and cities is simpler and cheaper than hopping between the islands.<br /> <br /> When it comes to dining, make an effort to research your choices ahead of time to avoid tourist traps and find eateries frequented by the locals. Also, you can drink tap water and wine from barrels without worry.<br /> <br /> While touring in Greece, you should keep in mind that as a whole, Greeks aren't exactly known for punctuality. So expect service in restaurants to usually not be super fast, and transportation to at time be less than punctual.<br /> <br /> As for social mores, the younger generations are fairly liberal and tolerant these days, but older people somewhat less so (depending on the location), and in general Greece has been a traditionally conservative society, partly due to the influence of its Orthodox Church; for example, when visiting places of worship and rural, non-resort towns and countryside, it's recommended (and in the case of many churches and monasteries, required) to avoid wearing excessively revealing outfits. <br /> <br /> Though credit cards are widely accepted, it's still a good idea to keep a certain amount of cash in your wallet; this is especially true in non-urban and non-resort areas of the mainland and the islands. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> For amazing tour packages in <a href="https://traveltriangle.com/tour-packages/greece" target="_blank">Greece</a> as well as <a href="https://traveltriangle.com/tour-packages/turkey" target="_blank">Turkey</a>, contact <a href="https://traveltriangle.com/" target="_blank">TravelTriangle.com</a>.<br /> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p></div>A Handy Guide To Visit A Small Town Munnar In Beautiful State Of Kerela Introductionhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/a-handy-guide-to-visit-a-small-town-munnar-in-beautiful-state-of2019-07-23T11:36:13.000Z2019-07-23T11:36:13.000ZTravel Guidehttps://tripatini.com/members/TravelGuide<div><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><img src="http://www.munnartourism.com/image/image-1.jpg" alt="image-1.jpg" /></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Kerala has several beautiful tourist destinations adorned with lush greenery, sweeping hills, meandering rivers and amazing wildlife zones. Munnar is a picturesque hill town- located in the Kannan Devan Hills and Idukki district of Kerala. The backdrop of tea plantations and its mild climate has acted as a tourism booster. It is loved by almost all types of tourists, including honeymooning couples, backpacking lovers, wildlife loving lot and families seeking solace from chaotic city life.</span></p><p><strong>Choosing the right tour package</strong></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">You should analyze the <strong><a href="https://traveltriangle.com/tour-packages/munnar" target="_blank">various munnar tour packages</a></strong> to ensure you get the best experience while exploring this pretty hill town in the Western Ghats. You can opt for packages that bundle trekking or watersports activities with sightseeing. You can also opt for tours that are meant for families and corporate visitors.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> Things to do and explore while visiting Munnar</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">While visiting this beautiful Hill town in Kerala, you will never fall short of activity or sightseeing options. Nature lovers can have a gala time here. They can pick from guided walking tours, Plantation walks and waterfall tours. Munnar is also ideal for adventure seeking tourists and they can indulge in activities like rock climbing, trekking, and camping. The various sprawling tea estates and wildlife sanctuaries are ideal for couples spending their honeymoon or those seeking serenity amidst wilderness.</span></p><p><strong>Listed below are some ideal sightseeing and activities for tourist in Munnar:</strong></p><ul><li><span style="font-weight:400;">Eravikulam National Park- A destination for nature and wildlife lovers, this national park has got the tag of an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearly 132 species of birds are there along with 26 species of animals. It is spread over 97 sq kms. You can opt for a jeep safari here too and spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;">Munnar tea museum- Munnar and adjacent regions are famous for their tea cultivation heritage. The tourists can witness how tea is harvested and processed at the KDHP Tea Museum. You can actually pluck various types of tea leaves to brew aromatic tea.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;">Exploring wildlife- There are some other wildlife zones near Munnar like the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The former houses various rare and migratory bird species.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;">Echo Point- It is about 18 km from Munnar and you have to reach the highest point in the city. The picturesque spot is known for naturally occurring echo that takes place when anyone speaks here. The scenic beauty is amazing and it is a picnic spot too.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;">Kolukkumalai Tea Estate- Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is reportedly the world’s highest tea plantation, located on the beautiful Kolukkumalai Hills. About 31 km from the city the estate is known for its flavored tea. The old tea factory relies on traditional tea production technique. Except Sunday it remains open at all times.</span></li></ul><p><strong>Tasting the delicacies</strong></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Your Munnar tour will not be complete if you miss tasting the regional Karnataka dishes. The dishes like fish in Kerala curry, idiyappam with vegetable stew, spicy chicken fry, Malabar paratha should be savored. You can also find seafood varieties like Kerala special karimeen fish.</span></p><p><strong>How and when to visit</strong></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">While you can travel to Munnar almost any time of the year, choosing a time between the months from September to May will be ideal. You can skip the grueling summer heat and the weather remains overall mild. The adventure seekers however prefer the winter months more.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Munnar is well connected with major cities in Kerala. The road transport options are good and you can reach Munnar from most cities in Kerala. It is not yet connected by rail network but buses are available from Ernakulam, Aluva and Madurai. It is approx 110 km from the Cochin International Airport.</span></p><p><strong>Useful information for the tourists</strong></p><p><strong>While exploring the town keeping a few things in mind will be useful.</strong></p><ul><li><span style="font-weight:400;">The rickshaws are convenient but not light on wallet. So, you can avail the public transport in the city.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;">Booking the hotel in advance is prudent if you visit in the peak season.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;">Carrying mosquito repellent, sunscreen and water repellent hats or shoes can be useful.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;">Ensure your <strong><a href="https://traveltriangle.com/budget-tour-packages/munnar" target="_blank">amazing munnar budget package</a></strong> covers attractions like Kundala Lake and the mystical sandalwood forests of Marayoor.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> <br /></span></p></div>10 Things To Do In Sri Lanka That You Cannot Afford To Misshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/10-things-to-do-in-sri-lanka-that-you-cannot-afford-to-miss2019-05-07T07:56:50.000Z2019-05-07T07:56:50.000ZTravel Guidehttps://tripatini.com/members/TravelGuide<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009361660,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009361660,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="9009361660?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Sri Lanka is a vast island nation on the Indian Ocean and south of peninsular India. It is a budget-friendly tourist destination in the world. It boasts nature, island tour, and adventure and pilgrimage tour. It is a tourist-friendly nation. Its coordinates are 6° 56′ 0″ North and 79° 52′ 0″ East.</p><p> You must check your <strong><a href="https://traveltriangle.com/tour-packages/sri-lanka-maldives" target="_blank">alluring Sri Lanka Maldives package</a> </strong>includes the below-mentioned ten things to do.</p><p>1.<strong>Adam’s Peak</strong></p><p> You have to reach Sabaragamuwa to hike this holy mountain peak of Buddhist importance. It belongs to Samanala Ranges in the south-central province. This is an accessible conical peak with an altitude of 7,359-ft above the mean sea level. The sunrise view and the flowing mist are breathtaking to see from this mountain peak.</p><p>2.<strong>Bentota Beach</strong></p><p> This is a popular golden sand beach of Ceylon. It is the best place for romantic couples to have some privacy and take a sunbath. This beach has shallow seawater, and you can find waves during the high tide only. It is a scenic beach with palm groves on the beachfront.</p><p> 3.<strong>Dambulla Cave Temple</strong></p><p> This is a UNESCO World Heritage site of cultural importance in Sri Lanka. You can find the traces of Buddhism flourished in this island since the ancient era. You will be stunned to look the caves with Buddha sculptors, stone art, temple, and panting inside the cave.</p><p>4.<strong>Galle Face Green</strong></p><p> Every tourist will and in Colombo to tour Sri Lanka. You must not miss this most happening beach of Lanka. You can find its domestic people and international tourists filled in this beach throughout day and night. This is an urban beach, and you can find all tourist facility and amenities on the beachfront.</p><p> 5.<strong>Independence Memorial Hall</strong></p><p> The history buffs and others must not miss the memorial hall once in Ceylon. This is a monument featuring the history of Sri Lankan independence. People of any ages can visit this place once in its capital city.</p><p> 6.<strong>Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara</strong></p><p> This is a cultural and religious site, which you must not miss in Colombo. There are legends that Buddha visited this place around 500 BC. This temple is dedicated to him since then. The present temple is the upgrading of the ancient temple.</p><p> 7.<strong>Polonnaruwa Ruins</strong></p><p> Polonnaruwa was the ancient capital of the erstwhile rulers. They have built huge structures and complexes during those ages. What is seen present are the ruins, which are amazing to see. This place is appreciable for its architectural marvel.</p><p> 8.<strong>Sigiriya</strong></p><p>This ancient monument is a standing evidence for the Epic Ramayana. As per the legends, the Kumbakarna lived in this fort palace in the Vedic era. You can see the murals of such incidence in this fort. This is a huge monolith rock with a fort on the top citadel. You can view the plateau region from these mountain ranges.</p><p> 9.<strong>Tea Plantation</strong></p><p> </p><p>The Ceylon Tea or Sri Lankan Tea is a world popular brand. It has a unique flavor and aroma. You must not miss this place to hike in those tea estates, which are in the central province. These are in the high-altitude mountain ranges. You can taste the garden fresh tea from this place.</p><p>10.<strong>Udawalawe National Park</strong></p><p>You can take a jungle safari once in Sri Lanka in this National Park. This is a natural reserve and a tropical rainforest area. The animal and nature lovers can enjoy the most from this park. You can find elephants and other wild animals in their natural state. </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009361660,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"></a></p></div>TOP FIVE SHOPPING PLACES OF RAJASTHAN FOR TOURISTShttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/top-five-shopping-places-of-rajasthan-for-tourists2019-05-04T12:56:07.000Z2019-05-04T12:56:07.000Zshishirhttps://tripatini.com/members/shishir<div><p>Rajasthan is the land of the rulers and is fit for travelers who have unique taste for the traditional elements of the country. One of the most charming things to do in Rajasthan is shopping in the traditional markets of the land. If you are planning to visit the <a href="https://www.travelogyindia.com/rajasthan/" target="_blank"><strong>land of Rajasthan</strong></a>, here are the top spots to open your wallet.</p><p><strong>Johari bazar of Jaipur</strong></p><p>This local market is famous for traditional Rajasthan jewelry like Meenakari, Kundan and others. You will find different styles of jewelries based on the budget in your mind. There are also a few textile shops in the market for buying authentic Rajasthan styled dresses and materials. By evening, many street vendors open their shops to serve delicacies of Rajasthani cuisine.</p><p>Market timings – 10 am to 11 pm</p><p><a href="https://www.travelogyindia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Johari-Bazar-Jaipur.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.travelogyindia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Johari-Bazar-Jaipur.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" width="731" height="411" alt="Johari-Bazar-Jaipur.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p><strong>NaiSarak of Jodhpur</strong></p><p>This market is for those who would like to experience the culture of the land. The specialty product of the market is textile and accessories. You can very easily find authentic tie and dye products, which is an iconic souvenir of Rajasthan travelers. Tie and dye products are commonly called as bandhej and badhni, by the locals. Apart from this, you can also find exclusive items like hand painted saris, turbans, leather articles, local handicrafts and much more.</p><p>Market timings – 10 am to 10 pm (closed on every Sunday)</p><p><strong>Bada bazar of Udaipur</strong></p><p>This is a one-stop spot for most of your shopping desires. You can find gemstones, precious metal jewelry, leather goods, copper ware, clothing material, accessories, antique items and so on. You can find small street shops and trusted branded stores in this market. If you get tired, you can turn towards the food vendors selling buttermilk, fruit juices, snacks and others.</p><p><strong>Market timings – 8 am to 9 pm</strong></p><p><strong>Sadar Bazar of Jaisalmer</strong></p><p>This traditional market is one of the colorful and lively markets of the land. This is the place to find many ethnic products like blankets, handicrafts, antiques, apparels, accessories and so on. You can find tie and dye fabrics, Khadi fabrics and embroidery items in the market. The best part about this market is the price. Since artisans and producers sell these, you are cutting off intermediaries and buying at a cheaper rate than most of the markets in the state.</p><p>Market timings – 10 am to 6 pm</p><p><a href="http://www.visittnt.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Shopping-in-Jaisalmer.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.visittnt.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Shopping-in-Jaisalmer.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" alt="Shopping-in-Jaisalmer.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p><strong>Kote Gate road of Bikaner</strong></p><p>It is not a huge market of unlimited supply. It is a small market for budget shoppers. The name of market arrives from the Kote Gate, which holds shops around it. This is a small market to find exotic Rajasthan items like Khadi kurta, miniature painting, sandals with embroidery work, camel milk products, camel hide, material made with camel hair and so on. Sweets and snacks of this<strong><a href="https://www.travelogyindia.com/rajasthan/bikaner/shopping.html" target="_blank"> Bikaner market</a></strong> attract many tourists.</p><p>Market timings – 9 am to 9 pm</p><p>There are numerous other markets in various cities of the state. It is better to stick with local markets to haggle and get a better price for the product of your choice. Make sure to surf a couple of shops before you settle with a product in a shop.</p></div>Shopping In Port Dickson | Shopping Malls in Port Dicksonhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/shopping-in-port-dickson-shopping-malls-in-port-dickson2018-08-23T14:38:42.000Z2018-08-23T14:38:42.000ZOlivia Bondhttps://tripatini.com/members/OliviaBond<div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><h2 style="text-align:center;">Shopping In Port Dickson</h2><br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Dickson_(town)" target="_blank">Port Dickson</a> is a hidden tourist destination in Malaysia! it's a lovely place to hang out and Relax. Port Dickson, have many nice attractions to visit. Enjoy shopping in Port Dickson with the below list of shopping places in Port Dickson<br /> <br /><h3 style="text-align:left;">1. Regina Mall Port Dickson:</h3><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kta-LecFIiY/W31yfiUjx_I/AAAAAAAAAes/sdV-HUn1EY0E8lt-4eyFRYHd0WqT7z-kACEwYBhgL/s1600/Regina%2BMall.JPG" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kta-LecFIiY/W31yfiUjx_I/AAAAAAAAAes/sdV-HUn1EY0E8lt-4eyFRYHd0WqT7z-kACEwYBhgL/s320/Regina%2BMall.JPG" width="320" alt="Regina%2BMall.JPG" /></a></div><br /> <br /> Regina Mall at Port Dickson is one of the famous malls, this was previously known as Oceanic Mall, you can experience the best here. there are many other exciting features along with shopping, restaurants, and entertainment it opens daily 10 am to 10 pm.<br /> <br /><h3 style="text-align:left;">2. The Negeri Sembilan shopping malls of Seremban & Port Dickson:</h3><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaZ6NOrnZ94/W31yiWGuwfI/AAAAAAAAAew/ZsT5K8dqlvQt9QlohVU_2XhfGKvw1xwWACEwYBhgL/s1600/Negeri%2BSembilan%2Bshopping%2Bmalls.JPG" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaZ6NOrnZ94/W31yiWGuwfI/AAAAAAAAAew/ZsT5K8dqlvQt9QlohVU_2XhfGKvw1xwWACEwYBhgL/s320/Negeri%2BSembilan%2Bshopping%2Bmalls.JPG" width="320" alt="Negeri%2BSembilan%2Bshopping%2Bmalls.JPG" /></a></div><br /> <br /> The three-story shopping mall presents lifestyle to the Seremban shopaholics and entertainment zone with some of the best restaurants that would not look out of place in the mall. You may find almost all the commodities you need from one place.<br /> <br /><h3 style="text-align:left;">3. Port Dickson Lukut giant mall:</h3><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNeQsGWxWa8/W31yjhVnKKI/AAAAAAAAAe0/l8bPqo_u2RkUKntP72XtDoi5emG0a-XuQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Lukut%2Bgiant%2Bmall.JPG" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNeQsGWxWa8/W31yjhVnKKI/AAAAAAAAAe0/l8bPqo_u2RkUKntP72XtDoi5emG0a-XuQCEwYBhgL/s320/Lukut%2Bgiant%2Bmall.JPG" width="320" alt="Lukut%2Bgiant%2Bmall.JPG" /></a></div><br /> Lukut giant mall is one of the best malls in Port Dickson, Lukut is an ideal location for all locals and tourist to shop. Giant Lukut also houses 55 tenants including food and beverage outlets, boutiques and a pharmacy.<br /> <br /><h3 style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Must Read:</span> <a href="https://www.triphobo.com/places/port-dickson-malaysia/things-to-do" target="_blank">15 Best Things To Do In Port Dickson</a></h3><br /><h3 style="text-align:left;">4. Teluk Kemang:</h3><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kek8FnB3dJM/W31ykjPM2SI/AAAAAAAAAe4/5yTOq9iXppMgNlkQpWpakRcDpC8QmtBewCEwYBhgL/s1600/Teluk%2BKemang.JPG" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kek8FnB3dJM/W31ykjPM2SI/AAAAAAAAAe4/5yTOq9iXppMgNlkQpWpakRcDpC8QmtBewCEwYBhgL/s320/Teluk%2BKemang.JPG" width="320" alt="Teluk%2BKemang.JPG" /></a></div><br /> It is the places where you can buy T-shirts, locally crafted traditional handbags, beach balls, etc. There’s also a huge<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g303991-Activities-Port_Dickson_Negeri_Sembilan.html" target="_blank">Reviews of Port Dickson</a></div></div>Budapest, Hungary: Market Sharehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/hungary-budapest-market-share2015-01-28T14:11:19.000Z2015-01-28T14:11:19.000ZBev Malzardhttps://tripatini.com/members/BevMalzard<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008925101,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008925101,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008925101?profile=original" /></a></b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008925277,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008925277,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008925277?profile=original" /></a></p><p><em>Hungry for a spicy taste of Budapest? Go no further than Central Market and try to sort out what paprika to buy – mild, hot, hotter? Your choice. Bev Malzard reports.</em></p><p> </p><p>Ah, Budapest, we had such a short time together. On arrival in the evening and not in top form, the best way we could connect was me looking through the picture window of my hotel room, as the river at the ‘Pest’ side from my ‘Buda’ side of the mighty Danube River. The beautiful buildings high over the bank lit up, sparkly little boats choofed along and bright lights adorned the restaurants and vessels tied to the bank. The tram rattled past my window and the town took on the life of rather giddy, faded showgirl.<br /><br />I had managed to see the city emerge from the river banks as I had arrived in a stately fashion, by a grand river boat – or a suite ship – Avalon <i>Illumination</i> (just launched).</p><p><br />We had cruised from Vienna, with stops along the way – Bratislava being one, before ending the journey in Budapest.<br /><br />I knew I could not do the city nor myself any service trying to see everything before I flew out that night, so it had to be one quintessential experience – Central Market Hall. How else can you feel the heartbeat of a city than by visiting a place where the locals pick and choose produce, eat, talk, meet and fastidiously check out every item before buying - or not.<br /><br />Getting there was a tourist treat – jump on the tram and it takes me alongside the river through the city to jump off point. So, I’ve seen the river, the edge of the city, the restaurants and cafes riverside – looking good so far. Then cross the road and enter the monumental building – a stunner.<br /><br />The building is significant and the metal roof structure is still original and covered in decorative Zsolnay tiles. There are four other markets like this in Budapest, which were all built in the same style – and an interesting fact is that all five buildings opened on the same day, on 15 February 1897.<br /><br />Because of its location and size the market hall on Fővám tér was chosen to be the ‘central’ market hall by the city as opposed to the other markets ranked as ‘district’ markets. When it opened ships sailed right into the building using special docks.<br /><br />Today, the Central Market Hall remains a wonderful food market, even if you don’t buy anything. Begin by counting the different brands of Paprika – the spice of life for Hungarians and the backbone of Hungarian cuisine. Hundreds of beautiful little tins decorated in folksy patterns, others with strong red and white branding, and some with fiery emblems to denote the strength – mild, hot or very hot. And there are pastes in tubes and bagged up spices ready to buy. Not only wonderful for smoky goulash and other piquant dishes but a fragrant gift to bring back home.<br /><br />You’ll continue through aromatic aisles with fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, fresh meats and some wonderful cake and biscuit displays. Two big fat, authentic lamingtons were spied in a line-up of cakes. The question is, where did they come from, were they kidnapped from Australia, had the emigrated? A curious conundrum indeed.<br /><br />Head upstairs to a host of little food stalls and drink bars, stand up, grab a stool or enter a restaurant to taste some local fare. You have to have a plate of humble goulash and noodles before you leave the markets; tuck into the creamy, smoky stew, and forever hold Budapest in your culinary heart.<br /><br />Hungry? You’ll fill up in Hungary.</p><p> </p><p><b>Travel tips</b></p><p><b>Stay at:</b> Intercontinental Budapest on the ‘pest’ side for wonderful views over the Danube and across to the ‘Buda’ side. <a href="http://www.budapest.intercontinental.com/">http://www.budapest.intercontinental.com/</a></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Getting there:</b> Take Streetcars 2, 47 or 49 to Fővám tér<br /> <br /> <b>Opening hours:</b><br /> Mondays: 6am to 5pm<br /> Tuesday: Friday: 6am to 6pm<br /> Saturdays: 6am to 2pm<br /> Sundays: closed.<br /><br /><b>Insider Tip:</b> Whet your appetite with a tour of the famous Central Market Hall, and then prepare and enjoy a Hungarian meal at <a href="http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/fun-things-to-do/chefparade-cooking-school/">Chefparade Cooking School</a>. <br /><br /><b>Visit:</b> <a href="http://www.visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-tours/taste-hungary/"><font color="#0000FF">www.visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-tours/taste-hungary/</font></a> <a href="http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/fun-things-to-do/chefparade-cooking-school/"><font color="#0000FF">http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/fun-things-to-do/chefparade-cooking-school/</font></a>; <a href="http://www.bridgetours.com/"><font color="#0000FF">www.bridgetours.com</font></a></p><p> </p><p><strong>More time?<br /><br /></strong>Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest has an extensive World Heritage collection including the banks of the River Danube, the Bud Castle Quarter, Andrassy Avenue, Hero’s Square and the Millennium Underground Railway (the second oldest metro line in the word).</p><p><br />And as it’s all about size – it has the world’s largest thermal cave system, the second largest synagogue and third largest Parliament building. Up to 4.5 million visitors are attracted to Budapest every year.</p><p></p></div>5 Awesome Things you should know about the DSF Rafflehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/5-awesome-things-you-should-know-about-the-dsf-raffle2017-08-09T12:17:09.000Z2017-08-09T12:17:09.000ZAkshay Korannehttps://tripatini.com/members/AkshayKoranne<div><p><br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009180670,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009180670,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="9009180670?profile=original" /></a><strong>Source</strong>: visitdubai.com</p><p>The Dubai Shopping Festival is now closer than you think. In just a matter of few months, we’ll be at the end of the year, and your beloved DSF will be ready to welcome shoppers from all over the world. Apart from the crazy discounts, there’s one more thing that gets people excited about DSF - the Raffle Draw. It is one of the most participated raffle draws, and with good reasons. Here a 5 awesome things you should know about the DSF Raffle Draw that will make you want to go to DSF and participate.</p><p> </p><p><b>It Goes on for a Month</b></p><p> </p><p>The Raffle Draw takes place each day of DSF. So, for a whole month, you can try your luck at winning some amazing prizes. There are many locations from where you can buy yourself a ticket. The draw takes places live at 10 pm, and is telecasted on the Sama Dubai TV. Each day, celebrities are invited to do the draw, so, you can expect much fanfare during the drawing ceremony. The whole event is quite exciting and fun for you to be a part of. So, be a part of the upcoming festival, and you can win something big. And if not, there’s also the <a href="http://www.edubaishoppingfestival.com/" target="_blank">Dubai Shopping Festival 2017-18 offers</a> that will save you a lot of money on your shopping. </p><p> </p><p><b>Drive Home Luxury</b></p><p> </p><p>One of the most expensive raffle draw prizes at DSF is a luxury car. Yes, you can take home a luxury car that is worth thousands of dollars just by buying a mere ticket priced at AED 200 (prices may change each year). These cars are state-of-the-art cars complete with the finest luxury features. So, if you’ve been wanting to a luxury car, just wait and buy DSF a raffle draw ticket. You can win one of the best cars in the world. There are 40 cars to be given away, so, chances of winning are high. Plus, they also have 1 lucky winner win a luxury super car like Aston Martin (or something similar).<br /><br /></p><p><b>Cold Hard Cash</b></p><p></p><p>If the chances of winning a luxury car don’t tempt you, how does winning Dh 100,000 sound? Yes, this is again a daily prize. Doesn’t it make you want to book Dubai Shopping Festival 2017-18 Tickets? Every day, some lucky winner becomes rich and gets this huge cash amount as a prize. The amount may be different the upcoming festival, but it is still quite a huge sum to giveaway. This cash prize has played a huge role in people participating in the raffle draw over the years. </p><p><b>Gold Fantasies</b></p><p> </p><p>We know the Emirati’s have an obsession with gold. It is has a lot of importance in their culture. So, it is no surprise that gold is also a part of the prize roster. More than 100 kgs of gold is given away as prize in the raffle draw, and with each passing year, this number only keeps increasing. Gold is an asset that mostly grows in value. So, you’ll be getting a prize that keeps on giving. You can also win diamond jewellery. So ladies, the raffle draw is tailor-made for your participation. Be sure to try your luck and get amazing jewellery out of it.</p><p> </p><p><b>Be a Part of the World Family</b></p><p> </p><p>People from all over the world come to be a part of the shopping festival in Dubai, and most of them take part in the raffle. So, you’ll be participating in a world event along with people from many nationalities. And if you are lucky enough, you will get to take back to your country some amazing stuff, along with the stuff you will buy at the festival. Be sure to update yourself on the import laws of your country, just in case you win something huge.</p><p> </p><p>The joy of winning big cannot be described, only experienced. Life is good for the Dubai Shopping Festival winners. Not only do they get to win big, they also get to shop at the Dubai Shopping Festival. The above mentioned aren’t the only prizes, there’s a lot else to be won. Therefore, there’s a good chance you’ll be coming back home a winner. DSF is the world’s best shopping extravaganza, and must be experienced by everyone at least once. </p><p> </p></div>A shopaholics guide to Delhihttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/a-shopaholics-guide-to-delhi2017-02-24T17:00:00.000Z2017-02-24T17:00:00.000ZSrishtihttps://tripatini.com/members/Srishti<div><p lang="zxx" xml:lang="zxx">Delhi is famed for its historical sites and food, but it's high time you know there's one more reason for you to plan a visit to the country's capital city. Taking inspiration from ancient traditions, artisans, fabrics, craftsmanship and what not, Delhi has become a hub for shopping everything traditional and yet modern in look. Whether it's budget shopping or designer wear, shopping for handicrafts or gadgetry, knick-knacks or apparel, Delhi is one stop shop for great deals and bargains. For the best retail therapy, visit Delhi and turn into a hardcore shopper. Listed below are few places that are best suited for a shopaholic like you.</p><p lang="zxx" xml:lang="zxx"><b>1. Sarojini Nagar Market:</b> Located in close proximity to South West Delhi, Sarojini Nagar market is every shopper's dream come true destination. The place is ideal for those who love to dress well and at the same time are up for a good bargain. The entire market is littered with stalls and kiosks, selling everything from fancy apparels to crockery and curtains. So get, set, going to get you your hands on some fantastic finds in the Sarojini Market.</p><p lang="zxx" xml:lang="zxx"><b>2. Dilli Haat:</b> This is an open-air shopping paradise in Delhi. Right from handicrafts to ethnic jewellery, bags and traditional apparels, Dilli Haat has it all. Also, there are mehandi walas in the market, which is undoubtedly every girl's favourite place to be. If you are tired with your shopping spree, you can even enjoy a plate of momos and gulp in some fresh fruit juices.</p><p lang="zxx" xml:lang="zxx"><b>3. Janpath Market:</b> This is one of the popular markets amongst tourits. It is located near Connaught Place, and is situated at a short distance from <strong><a href="https://www.travelguru.com/hotels/hotels-at-connaught-place-in-new-delhi" target="_blank">hotels at Connaught Place in New Delhi</a></strong><b>.</b> Most of the tourists prefer staying at the hotels in this area, as CP is the centre of the city and there are many attractions surrounding the area.</p><p lang="zxx" xml:lang="zxx"><b>4. Khan Market:</b> Loaded by haute couture stores, small kiosks and top-notch restaurant, Khan Market is a posh locality in Delhi. There are also some famous bakeries and cafes, where you can hangout with your friends after shopping in the market. Khan Market is definitely a must-visit for all those who follow chic and dapper trends.</p><p lang="zxx" xml:lang="zxx"><b>5. Chandni Chowk:</b> This is one of my favourite places to shop. This area is popular among locals for over hundred years. The narrow lanes and winding street swill take you through the most exciting shopping places. Be it your need to purchase electronic goods, silver jewellery, household material or wedding attire, nothing gets better than shopping at Chandni Chowk.</p><p lang="zxx" xml:lang="zxx"><b>6. Shahpur Jat:</b> This is Delhi's best kept secret when it comes to shopping for designer lehngas, suits and footwear. There are a number of boutiques selling some of beautiful outfits, accessories and home decor items. Shahpur Jat is located near Hauz Khas Village (another favourite place amongst shoppers and foodies).</p></div>10 Uniquely Inspiring Bookstores Around the Worldhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/10-inspiring-world-bookstores2014-08-06T20:17:55.000Z2014-08-06T20:17:55.000ZSara Cookehttps://tripatini.com/members/SaraCooke<div><p><a href="http://www.toursbylocals.com/images/blog/20142121449497235.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.toursbylocals.com/images/blog/20142121449497235.jpg" class="align-center" alt="20142121449497235.jpg" /></a></p><table cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="copy-blogtitle-style"><td colspan="2" align="left"></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" align="left"><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top">While no one can deny the convenience of e-readers, they lack the beauty of a well-designed trade paperback, the solid feel of a hard-cover. And the experience of buying them is quick and easy, but there’s little potential for joy while scrolling down a screen, compared to browsing a row of colourful spines on a solid wood shelf.</td><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap" valign="top"><a href="http://www.toursbylocals.com/bpv&entryid=406&index=0"><img alt="photo" src="http://www.toursbylocals.com/images/blog/20142121449497235-thumb.jpg" border="0" height="100" hspace="4" width="149" /><br /> <font size="1">(click to enlarge)</font></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" valign="top"><p><br /> For those of us who still love the experience of buying books in a bricks and mortar bookstore, we’ve put together a list of ten of the most atmospheric, satisfying book-browsing experiences you can have around the world. Click on the image in the top right corner to see full-size photos of each store. Enjoy!<br /> <br /> <b>Munro’s – Victoria, BC</b><br /> This 50-year old Canadian business was founded by Nobel Prize Winning author Alice Munro and her (then) husband Jim. After their divorce, Jim would go on to turn Munro’s into not only a book store, but a long-standing tourist attraction in downtown Victoria, BC. Housed in an early 20th century bank building, the store’s characterful hardwood floors and lofty coffered ceilings invite bibliophiles to savour the book buying experience.<br /> <br /> <b>Libreria Acqua Alta – Venice</b><br /> This Venetian book store is one of the more unique ones you’ll ever come across on your travels. Part flea market, part book-store, you’re less likely to buy a book here (which are mostly in Italian) than to simply soak up the experience. Cats roam the store, bathtubs, and a gondola full of books sit inside, and books line the multiple courtyards, even creating an outdoors staircase, which brave souls can climb. “Acqua Alta” means high water, and this store is prone to flooding in the fall. Bring your boots!<br /> <br /> <b>Shakespeare and Co – Paris</b><br /> The crowded, creaky shelves of Shakespeare and Co are an ode to an earlier time: the time of Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein. Its founder, George Whitman, once called his shop “a socialist utopia masquerading as a bookstore,” and the 13 sleeping beds within the store have provided rest to more than 50,000 people over the years, many of them aspiring writers and artists. Sitting pretty on the left bank of the Seine, this is a don’t-miss-it stop in Paris.<br /> <br /> <b>The Strand – New York</b><br /> The Strand, founded in 1927, originally sat on New York’s “Book Row” but moved to its current location at East 12th St. and Broadway in 1956. Housing over 2.5 million books (new and used), this is definitely a store in which to immerse yourself in great literature. If you really fall in love with it, the front of the story displays an extensive line of “Strand”-related tchotchkes for you to bring home.<br /> <br /> <b>El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Buenos Aires</b><br /> Routinely recognized as one of the most beautiful book stores in the world, El Ateneo is housed in an ornate neo-classical theatre building, originally home to tango performances. Now customers can sit in the former theatre’s boxes and read books picked from the shop’s many shelves. Luciano, our Buenos Aires-based Director of Business Development, tells us this book store is an excellent place to study and even have a snack: there’s a café with seating right on the original theatre stage.<br /> <br /> <b>Powell’s City of Books – Portland</b><br /> This massive bookstore occupies several stories of a full city block at the edge of downtown Portland, Oregon, and claims to be the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. Books are organized into subject areas laid out as rooms: the “rose room” houses children’s books, the “purple room” is home to archeology texts, and so on. Best are the thoughtfully curated “staff picks” which may lead you to bring home a book you would never otherwise have heard of.<br /> <br /> <b>Livraria Lello – Porto</b><br /> Founded in the late 19thcentury, Livraria Lello is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugual. It’s a stunning example of a purpose built bookstore incorporating eclectic design elements. Stained glass ceilings, a “stairway to heaven” and intricately panelled walls create a beautiful space to browse. Don’t miss sitting down for coffee and port at the intimate café on the book store’s second level, a lovely respite from the hustle of downtown Porto.<br /> <br /> <b>Bart’s Books – Ojai, California</b><br /> This book shop is unique for several reasons: first, it’s almost entirely outdoors – the largest outdoor bookstore in the United States, in fact (although we doubt it has a lot of competition in that category!) Second, many of its book sales are based on an honour system. Patrons who come by after-hours are asked to place coins in a deposit box to pay for any book they wish to purchase. The owner, Richard Bartinsdale, has been running business this way since the store first opened in 1964.<br /> <br /> <b>Selexyz Dominicanen – Maastricht</b><br /> A 13th century Dominican church converted into an impressive contemporary bookstore: don’t even consider skipping this one! Hidden in a little street next to the Vrijthof square in the Dutch city of Maastricht, this 800 year old church now attracts a different kind of worshipper. Its altar has been replaced with a coffee shop, and steel shelves vault thousands of books close to the frescoed ceilings.<br /> <br /> <b>Cafebrería El Péndulo – Mexico City</b> <br /> Filled with greenery as well as books, the multi-story El Pendulo is an excellent place to escape the heat and crowds of Mexico City. While the large bookstore has only a small selection of English books, its café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and live entertainment is always on the menu. Plus, it’s one of the few book stores in the world that serves a mean mojito along with a side of literature.</p><p></p><p><em><a href="http://www.toursbylocals.com" target="_blank">ToursByLocals guides</a> are on hand in each of these cities to help you make the most of your time in their hometown!</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p></div>Some of the local shopping markets in south delhihttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/some-of-the-local-shopping-markets-in-south-delhi2016-07-03T15:22:33.000Z2016-07-03T15:22:33.000ZSaurabh Jainhttps://tripatini.com/members/SaurabhJain<div><p><br />Delhi has been, since historical times, remained a favoured destination for shoppers. From traditional bazaars to modern-day swanky malls, Delhi has everything to offer to a customer. It has a rich cultural diversity due to which it has become a shopping hub. In Delhi you can find any quality/quantity of items from low to high.<br />I would like to thank Hotel "<a href="http://hotelbeaufortdelhi.in" target="_blank">The Beaufort Inn</a>" for telling us about the local markets which are in South Delhi. I will suggest all our readers that if they are visiting Delhi than do checkout their hotel (Visit their website). The hotel staff is very friendly and can guide you if you are new in Delhi.</p><p>The three main shopping markets immensely popular are<br />1) Lajpat Nagar Market<br />2) Khan Market<br />3) South Extension Market</p><p></p><p>1) Lajpat Nagar Market</p><p>Lajpat Nagar Market is a popular shopping place in South Delhi and is well connected by road as well as by metro. A lot of malls have come up in Delhi for branded shopping but this place retains it's charm as the real street market. You find both hawkers, shopping centers and retail shops here and lots of food items and snacks.You will find a wide variety of choices be it in shoes , jewellery , bags , clothes and that too in great prices.</p><p>2) Khan Market</p><p>This is not a market for your daily needs. But everything imported and insignificant can be found in this relatively silent market. Cobblestoned pavements lead to branded and non branded showrooms.Khan market has great variety of international fruits , veggie, fashion designer shop n good cafe like the coffee beans & Tea leaf & international bar. Durning the festival of Diwali you can find it very attractive as it decorated those days.</p><p>3) South Extension Market<br />South Ext Market is a posh market in South Delhi.South Extension market is one of the upscale markets after CP. Its not as big, at the same time its not as crowded as CP. There are limited but good shops for apparels, jewelry etc. and restaurants.</p><p>Note: These Markets are closed on Monday.</p></div>Souvenir Shopping in Latin Americahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/souvenir-shopping-in-latin-america2015-11-19T15:46:13.000Z2015-11-19T15:46:13.000ZMax Peslinghttps://tripatini.com/members/MaxPesling<div><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:justify;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/KunaWomanWithMolas.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/KunaWomanWithMolas.jpg?width=640" width="640" class="align-center" alt="KunaWomanWithMolas.jpg?width=640" /></a></p><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:justify;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;">A few months back, I wrote about <a href="http://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/souvenir-shopping-europe-morocco" target="_blank">souvenir shopping in Europe</a><span class="Apple-converted-space">.</span> Now that the ol’ credit card has cooled off just a bit, I’m ready to tackle the Americas. Again, I’m aiming away from average tourist junk and more toward high-quality items that are both characteristic of the destination and not easily available outside it.<span id="more-5003" style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;vertical-align:baseline;"></span></p><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:justify;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;"><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /> Brazil <br /> <br /></strong> Yes,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">caipirinhas</strong>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">caipiroskas</strong>, and the like are still the rage. But very few and limited types of their main ingredient, the Brazilian sugarcane firewater <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">cachaça</strong>, are exported. So you can impress your friends and family with some unfamiliar – and unusually fine – varieties direct from the source. From the gullet to the feet, the particularly stylish flip flops called <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Havaianas</strong> are by now sold all over the world, but again, you can find styles and colours down here you won’t find in your local boutique.</p><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:justify;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;"><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;"><img width="262" height="240" class="alignright" style="background:none;margin:4px 0px 12px 24px;padding:0px;border:0px;width:auto;height:auto;vertical-align:baseline;float:right;display:inline;max-width:640px;" alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/5_Emeralds_from_Colombia.JPG/262px-5_Emeralds_from_Colombia.JPG" />Colombia</strong> <br /> <br /> It goes without saying that one of Colombia’s best known products is <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">coffee</strong>, and if you have the opportunity to compare different types and blends, by all means bring back a bag or three of your favorite(s). But another lesser-known treasure is <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">emeralds</strong>, which since this country is the world’s single largest producer of this gem can be bought at advantageous prices in various cities such as <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Bogota</strong> and <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Cartagena</strong>, in forms from loose stones to extremely high-fashion jewelry.</p><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:justify;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;"><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /> Costa Rica</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> <br /> <br /> <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Coffee</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is a big deal here, as well, though obviously the country’s not as huge a producer as Colombia – this is more of a boutique deal, with larger and smaller operations in the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Central Valley</strong>, some of which are open to visitors. In addition, the town of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Sarchí</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is known for its fine<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">furniture</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(they ship, of course), and other crafts for which the country is known are colorfully decorative miniature <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">oxcarts</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and finely detailed<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">paintings</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>on bird feathers (yeah, you have to see it to believe it).<br /></p><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:justify;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;"><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Dominican Republic <br /> <br /></strong> By now this country produces some of the world’s most exquisite <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">cigars</strong> (some say the best equal and even surpass <strong>Cuba</strong>’s in quality). But the other product that is identified with the DR is <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">amber</strong>, mined in the mountainouse interior and sold in most cities and tourist areas throughout the country. And don’t forget the rum! If you want a more down-home tipple, something called <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;"><em style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;">mamajuana</em></strong> might be the ticket, a potion of rum, red wine, and honey soaked with tree bark (purported to be have curative properties). Among the local handicrafts, you’ll find plenty of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">paintings</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>hereabouts, too – including, if you’re interested, many from neighbouring <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Haiti</strong>.<br /></p><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:center;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;"><a style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;color:#d7192d;vertical-align:baseline;" href="http://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/L2F-Talavera-Mexico-Uriarte-showroom-AlejandroLinaresGarcia.jpg"><img width="800" height="536" class="wp-image-5691 aligncenter" style="background:none;margin:0px auto 12px;padding:0px;border:;width:auto;height:auto;clear:both;vertical-align:baseline;display:block;max-width:640px;" alt="L2F Talavera Mexico Uriarte showroom AlejandroLinaresGarcia" src="http://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/L2F-Talavera-Mexico-Uriarte-showroom-AlejandroLinaresGarcia.jpg" /></a></p><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:justify;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;"><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /> Mexico <br /> <br /></strong> Among the Americas’ most venerable pottery is colourful <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Talavera </strong>from the city of <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Puebla</strong>, derived from Spanish antecedents, while<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">sterling silver</strong> jewelry is a specialty of the hill town of <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Taxco</strong>, in Guerrero about two hours from Mexico City, as is <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">turquoise</strong> that of the northern Mexican state of Sonora. There are a lot of lovely <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">handicrafts</strong> produced in this country, as well; perhaps the most distinctively Mexican are those themed after <em style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;">los muertos</em>, the <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Day of the Dead</strong> skulls and whatnot. As far as stuff you can put in your mouth is concerned, the home country of <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">tequila</strong> is also just the place to sample hundreds of brands and varieties (most of which aren’t exported), and bring home your favourite(s). And if you like <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Mexican cuisine</strong>, get thee to a market a buy some fresh <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;"><em style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;">mole</em></strong> and other powders and <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">spices</strong> you won’t be able to get at home. Ditto for the local <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">chocolate</strong>, which has a unique bite to it and makes a lovely cup of hot chocolate.</p><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:justify;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;"><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /> Panama <br /> <br /></strong> The most unique product in this Central American country is far and away the colorful fabrics of the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Kuna</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>people known as<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">molas</strong> (top) a sophisticated reverse appliqué in several layers – incredible stuff, really, and sold in the form of garments and hangings throughout the country but mostly in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Panama City</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and their home territory of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Kuna Yala</strong>.</p><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:justify;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;"><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /> Peru</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> <br /> <br /> <strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;">Alpaca</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>items in the Andes are classic – hats, scarves, gloves, and so forth. Another good choice is local<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;"><em style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;">pisco</em></strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(grape vodka), obviously in far greater variety and range of quality than you can find it in your local liquor shop.<br /></p><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:justify;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;"><em><a href="http://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/souvenir-shopping-europe-morocco" target="_blank">For souvenir shopping in Europe, click here</a>.</em> </p><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:justify;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;"></p><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:justify;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;"><span class="font-size-1"><em style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /> images | <a style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;color:#d7192d;vertical-align:baseline;" href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:KunaWomanWithMolas.jpg" target="_blank">Johantheghost</a>, <a style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;color:#d7192d;vertical-align:baseline;" href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:5_Emeralds_from_Colombia.JPG" target="_blank">Mauro Cateb</a>, <a style="background:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;color:#d7192d;vertical-align:baseline;" href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DiaplayRoomUriarte.JPG" target="_blank">AlejandroLinaresGarcia</a></em></span></p><p style="background:#ffffff;font:13px/16px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin:0px 0px 16px;padding:0px;border:0px;text-align:justify;color:#333333;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;clear:both;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;"></p></div>Costa Rica's Charming Artisan Town Sarchí A Popular Day Tour From San Joséhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/charming-artisan-town-of-sarchi-is-popular-san-jose-costa-rica2013-09-05T14:30:00.000Z2013-09-05T14:30:00.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p style="text-align:justify;">One of the <strong>most popular <a title="Day tour to Sarchi, Costa Rica by Team CRT travel agency" href="http://www.costarica4u.com/grecia-sarchi" target="_blank">day tours</a> from San Jose, Costa Rica</strong>, is the charming <strong>artisan town of <a class="zem_slink" title="Sarchí" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=10.0833333333,-84.35&spn=0.1,0.1&q=10.0833333333,-84.35%20(Sarch%C3%AD)&t=h" target="_blank">Sarchi</a></strong>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sarchi-painted-oxcart-souvenirs.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sarchi-painted-oxcart-souvenirs-300x224.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="Sarchi-painted-oxcart-souvenirs-300x224.jpg?width=300" /></a>Called the “<strong>cradle of <a class="zem_slink" title="Costa Rica" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333&spn=10.0,10.0&q=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333%20(Costa%20Rica)&t=h" target="_blank">Costa Rican</a> handicrafts</strong>,” both international tourists and locals alike visit Sarchi for its more than 200 stores and small family-operated woodworking and leather workshops. It is a perfect <strong>Central Valley day tour</strong> to combine with the <a title="Poas Volcano National Park, Costa Rica tour with Team CRT" href="http://www.costarica4u.com/poas-volcano-national-park" target="_blank"><strong>Poás Volcano</strong></a>, a <strong>coffee tour</strong>, or the <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Juan Castro Blanco National Park" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=10.3,-84.3661111111&spn=0.01,0.01&q=10.3,-84.3661111111%20(Juan%20Castro%20Blanco%20National%20Park)&t=h" target="_blank">Juan Castro Blanco National Park</a></strong>. Sarchi is also an excellent stop on the way to <a title="Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica, vacation destination" href="http://www.costarica4u.com/category/locations/arenal" target="_blank"><strong>Volcano Arenal</strong></a>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Located on the slopes of Costa Rica’s Central Mountain Range at the eastern edge of the Central Valley, the quaint country town of Sarchi is 27 kilometers northwest of the provincial capital city of Alajuela, and 46 kilometers from the <strong>nation’s capital city of San Jose</strong>. The route to get to Sarchi passes through picturesque countryside and some of the largest coffee and sugarcane plantations in Costa Rica.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sarchi-oxcart.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sarchi-oxcart-300x226.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="Sarchi-oxcart-300x226.jpg?width=300" /></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;">As Costa Rica’s most well-known crafts center, <strong>Sarchi is famous for its colorfully painted oxcarts and oxen yokes</strong> – <strong>national symbols of</strong> <strong>Costa Rican folklore and traditions</strong>. The tradition of painting and decorating oxcarts started in the early 20<sup>th</sup> century. Back in the day, wooden carts pulled by a pair of oxen were the main mode of transportation in the mountainous country, especially to transport coffee beans to markets. Originally each region of Costa Rica had its own particular oxcart design, which identified a driver’s origin by the painted patterns on his cart’s wheels. Today, <strong>oxcarts still play a principal role in parades and religious celebrations</strong>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The <a title="UNESCO proclamation on Costa Rican oxcarts as heritage of humanity" href="http://www.unesco.org/culture/intangible-heritage/12lac_uk.htm" target="_blank">United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization</a> honored Costa Rica’s vibrantly painted oxcarts in 2005 for their contribution to the heritage of humanity. You can see the <strong>“World’s Largest Oxcart”</strong> – built in 2006 to get the town’s name into The <a class="zem_slink" title="Guinness World Records" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinness_World_Records" target="_blank">Guinness Book of World Records</a> – in the Central Park in front of the main church.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Travelers come to Sarchi to purchase elegantly crafted wood furniture and souvenirs made from tropical hardwoods, leather, textiles, natural papers, and ceramics.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Popular things to purchase:<a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sarchi-leather-rocking-chair.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sarchi-leather-rocking-chair-150x150.jpg?width=150" width="150" alt="Sarchi-leather-rocking-chair-150x150.jpg?width=150" /></a></strong></p><ul style="text-align:justify;"><li>Miniature painted <strong>oxcarts</strong>, beautifully decorated <strong>oxcart wheels</strong>; or, you can buy an entire small-scale oxcart to put in your garden or home.</li><li><strong>Wood and hand-tooled leather rocking chairs</strong>. They fold up into a box so you can take it on an airplane; however, most stores will ship your chair via Fedex or other delivery service to your home. Make sure to check out extra accessories such as padded arm rests, head pillows, leather detachable cup holders or magazine pouches, and footstools.</li><li><strong>Tropical wood</strong> boxes, kitchen cutting boards, wood jewelry, or a variety of Costa Rica’s animals made into wooden figurines.</li><li><strong>Hand-painted ceramic</strong> plates and pots in the traditional Chorotega indigenous tradition from the Nicoya region of Guanacaste.</li><li>Ornately carved <strong>wooden chests</strong> perfect for holding all of your treasures.</li></ul><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sarchi-church.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sarchi-church-150x150.jpg?width=150" width="150" alt="Sarchi-church-150x150.jpg?width=150" /></a>Sights to see in Sarchi:</strong></p><ul style="text-align:justify;"><li><strong>Catholic Church</strong> – the pink and blue “wedding cake” church features a vaulted hardwood ceiling and carvings by local artisans (on a hill overlooking the north side of town by the central park).</li><li><strong>Artisan Market</strong> (“Mercado de Artesanías”) – a large warehouse-like store selling crafts of all kinds, operated by an artists’ cooperative (on the edge of north Sarchi next to the gas station).</li><li><strong>World's Largest Oxcart</strong> – huge and brightly painted, the oxcart rests on a platform in <a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sarchi-worlds-largest-oxcart.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sarchi-worlds-largest-oxcart-150x150.jpg?width=150" width="150" alt="Sarchi-worlds-largest-oxcart-150x150.jpg?width=150" /></a>the central park in front of the church in north Sarchi.</li><li><strong>Artisan Plaza</strong> (“Plaza de la Artesanía”) – a large outdoor mall of souvenir shops in south Sarchi.</li><li>The 111-year-old <strong>Joaquín Chaverri Oxcart Factory</strong> (built in 1902), where you can find all kinds of souvenirs and painted oxcarts; see artists painting oxcarts in real life in their workshop.</li></ul><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Planning to <strong>travel to Costa Rica</strong>? Travel agency <a title="Team CRT travel agency in Costa Rica" href="http://www.costarica4u.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Team CRT</strong></a> creates unforgettable <strong>Costa Rica vacation itineraries and packages</strong>. Visit the lovely town of Sarchi on one of their <a title="Sarchi day tour with Team CRT travel agency" href="http://www.costarica4u.com/grecia-sarchi" target="_blank">day tours</a>. Team CRT arranges nature tours, beach vacations, adventure tours, family vacations, relaxation vacations, honeymoons and golf vacations.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p></div>Notable Floating Markets in Bangkokhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/notable-floating-markets-in-bangkok2013-06-19T19:00:00.000Z2013-06-19T19:00:00.000ZGlobe Huntershttps://tripatini.com/members/GlobeHunters<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008772900,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008772900,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008772900?profile=original" /></a>Bangkok’s rich culture has more intriguing aspects than its extravagant nightlife. If you are booking <strong><a href="http://www.globehunters.com/Flights/Bangkok-Flights.htm" target="_blank">Bangkok flights</a></strong> especially to experience the rich culture of the city, make sure floating markets are there in your itinerary. The most popular floating markets in the city are: <br /> <br /> <strong>Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market</strong><br /> <br /> This is one of the closest floating markets to Bangkok. You can easily reach the market by taxi. The best part of this market is that it doesn’t have crowded lanes yet have authenticity of a local market. Apart from markets on boats in the narrow channel, there are numerous shops located on the ground. You can choose from numerous cheap products such as clothes, toys and accessories and native dishes are available in several variants. <br /> <br /> <strong>Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market</strong><br /> <br /> This is more like a riverside market, featuring boats parked on the bank of the river known as the <em><strong>"Green Lung"</strong></em> of Bangkok. Not only shopaholics but nature lovers also love to spend time in the area. Your visit to <em><strong>Bang Nam Pheung</strong></em> allows you to escape the chaotic lifestyle of the city. The market is better known for exotic food items and sweets. The market is not easy to find though it is just a few kilometers away from the Thai capital. According to experts, you should always rely on your own transportation. <br /> <br /> <strong>DamnoenSaduak Floating Market</strong><br /> <br /> Arguably this is the most popular floating market in the city and has been featured in one of the Bond movies. The market is located on a railway track. <br /> <br /> <strong>Amphawa Floating Market</strong><br /> <br /> After Damnoen, this is the second most popular floating market in Bangkok. However, the market is known for its authenticity. It is located 50 kilometers away from the city. The market was established in 17th century but today it has been stretched to the adjoining streets as well. You can buy grilled seafood from the boats. A variety of ice creams, sweets and snacks can also be tried. Don’t forget to buy an <em><strong>Amphawa</strong></em> souvenir.</p><p></p></div>Exciting New Shops Open in Downtown Galvestonhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/exciting-new-shops-open-in-downtown-galveston2013-06-13T19:22:16.000Z2013-06-13T19:22:16.000ZSarah Haranohttps://tripatini.com/members/SarahHarano<div><p>Downtown Galveston is abuzz with new shopping options! <b>The Scentimental Perfumery by Valerie Villarreal</b> and <b>Texas Cowgirl</b> are leasing newly renovated space from Mitchell Historic Properties in the Dargan and Tobyn building and Old Galveston Square respectively on the Strand near the newly opened <b>Cariloha</b> and <b>Del Sol</b> near Saengerfest Park.</p><p></p><p><b>The Scentimental Perfumery by Valerie Villarreal</b> opens on Sat., June 15. The shop is the newest addition to the Old Galveston Square family of shops at 2211 Strand near the intersection of 23<sup>rd</sup> and Strand. Scentimental Perfumery specializes in affordable luxury and exquisite perfumes, body washes, lotions, and more created by skilled perfumer Valerie Villarreal. Her blends include recreations of high dollar scents at affordable prices. </p><p></p><p><b>Texas Cowgirl</b> will open on June 29 with a grand opening celebration on July 4 in the Dargan & Tobyn building at 2226 Strand near the intersection of 23<sup>rd</sup> and Strand. The shop features Texas branded items ranging from housewares and home goods to clothing and accessories. Texas Cowgirl is an excellent shopping option for out-of-state visitors to collect Texas themed memorabilia and gifts.</p><p></p><p><b>About Mitchell Historic Properties</b></p><p>Mitchell Historic Properties (MHP) oversees Galveston properties owned by developer, philanthropist and preservationist George Mitchell and the Mitchell family. MHP owns and preserves approximately one-fourth of the buildings in The Historic Strand Seaport Area including commercial and residential properties as well as Hotel Galvez & Spa, The Tremont House and Harbor House, the hotel and marina at Pier 21. The Mitchell’s ongoing preservation of Galveston’s historic downtown helped spark the resurrection of The Strand National Historic Landmark District and Pier 21 as a tourist destination. For leasing information, visit <a href="http://www.MitchellHistoricProperties.com">www.MitchellHistoricProperties.com</a> or call (409) 763-5806.</p></div>A Weekend of Culture & Shopping in Florencehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/florence-culture-shoppingitaly-2015-08-03T16:54:02.000Z2015-08-03T16:54:02.000ZLily Bernshttps://tripatini.com/members/LilyBerns<div><p align="center"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1082/905478178_faac2da4bc_z.jpg" alt="How_to_get_the_best_of_a_weekend_in_Florence_1" /></p><p align="center"><span class="font-size-1"><em>source: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/2o1P7J">https://flic.kr/p/2o1P7J</a></em><a href="https://flic.kr/p/2o1P7J"><br /> <br /></a></span></p><p><br /> Considered one of the most beautiful cities of Italy, Florence is famous for its picturesque scenery, and rich historical and cultural heritage, with numerous museums, galleries and architectural landmarks.<br /> <br /> It has also historically been the seat of world-known Italian artists, writers, and other personages such as Amerigo Vespucci, Dante Alighieri, Michelangelo. and Leonardo da Vinci. Their masterpieces and others can be seen until our days throughout the city in churches, cathedrals and galleries.<br /> <br /> Florence of our days is an important economic and touristic center of Italy visited by more than 20 million people annually. Vacation in Florence combines in itself exploring historical sites, world's famous art galleries, doing luxury shopping and enjoying local cuisine. <br /> <br /> To get the most of your holiday in Florence, plan your trip beforehand and choose attractions you would like to prioritize - keeping in mind that visiting the most popular galleries requires booking tickets in advance.<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>City of Artists</strong> <br /> <br /> Despite its rapid industrial development, Florence has managed to keep the unique beauty of the Renaissance. A walk by the old, narrow, cobbled will take you to the Middle Ages. You'll see the place where Dante wrote <em>The Divine Comedy</em> and the workshop where Michelangelo carved the spectacular marble statue of David. Many other artistic masterpieces are on display in the Uffizi Gallery, Gallery of the Academy, and Palazzo Vecchio.<br /> <br /> The Uffizi is the most popular museum in Florence. and among the most important in the whole country, occupying an area of 13,000 square meters filled with a large collection of artworks by both Italian and foreign artists of 13th through 19th centuries. Some of the more popular works here are Botticelli's <em>Birth of Venus</em> and <em>Allegory of Spring,</em> Verrocchio's <em>Baptism of Christ,</em> and Michelangelo's <em>Holy Family</em>.</p><p align="center"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7553/15295880353_85fb59d504_z.jpg" alt="How_to_get_the_best_of_a_weekend_in_Florence_2" /></p><p align="center"><em><span class="font-size-1">source: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/piDok4">https://flic.kr/p/piDok4</a></span></em></p><p align="center"></p><p>The prize work of the Gallery of the Academy, more than 200 years old, David, the gargantuan marble statue created by a 29-year-old Michelangelo in 1504. For almost 300 years, the statue stood in the Piazza Vecchia, and only once it suffered from the hands of vandals. It happened in 1991, here in the Gallery, when Italian artists Piero Cannata smashed some left toes with a hammer damage fortunately repaired. <br /><br /></p><p align="center"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/14187511671_07edb1d772_z.jpg" alt="How_to_get_the_best_of_a_weekend_in_Florence_3" /></p><p align="center"><em><span class="font-size-1">source: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/nBGGWc">https://flic.kr/p/nBGGWc</a></span></em></p><p><br /> In Florence the air itself seems literally full of desire to create, and interesting art can be found not only in the prestigious museums and galleries, but on the streets - sidealk vendors, but also right on the very walls, sidewalks, and even road signs. Various amusing images and even some real urban masterpieces pop up in the most unexpected places. So when exploring the city look not only at the grand architectural landmarks, but have a peek into the side streets, too.<br /> <br /> <strong>Florence Shopping<br /> <br /></strong> Florence can hold its own with Milan and Rome as a center of high fashion. Most of the well-known Italian brands such as Ferragamo and Gucci have their own representatives here, and in every district there are luxury clothing boutiques with large and diverse collections that can pleasantly surprise even the most sophisticated fashion connoisseurs. Many local textile factories work directly with the major designers of Milan, Rome and Paris.</p><p align="center"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8233/8560406090_37897a6c31_z.jpg" alt="How_to_get_the_best_of_a_weekend_in_Florence_4" /></p><p align="center"><em><span class="font-size-1">source: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/e3sjus">https://flic.kr/p/e3sjus</a></span></em></p><p><br /> Florence as a shopping destination is mainly suitable for tourists aimed to find stylish luxury-brand fur coats, quality leather goods, haute brand-name clothing with some discounts, antiques, and original jewelry. There are goods in all price ranges, though the selection isn't as big as, say, Milan. The most prestigious boutiques are traditionally located in the city cente - the likes of Armani, Ferragamo, Gucci, and Versace, with sometimes stratospheric price tags. Those looking to save money have the option of browsing various outlets on the outskirts of the city (though sometimes it's tricky to find just the right size and style, as most popular sizes sell out very fast) out very fast. <br /> <br /> One such is <strong>The Mall, </strong>focused primarily on luxury clothing. It's not very big, but manages to gather under one roof many cool brands including Armani, Valentino, Dior, Alexander McQeen, Tod's Valentino, Stella McCartney, Sergio Rossi, and others.<br /> <br /> <strong>The Sotto Sotto Fashion Outlet </strong>is an great place to browse for evening dresses and classic suits. Among the brand represented here are D&G, Alpha Massimo Rebecchi, Versace and Caterina Masoni.<br /><br />When planning your shopping tour in Florence, notice that most outlets can be located not only far from the center, but at the opposite ends of the city. For instance, Sotto Sotto is 20 km northwest, whereas the Mall is in 35 km to the southeast. If public transport isn't for you, then choose a rental vehicle. Nowadays, compact and economy cars can have affordable rates especially if you <a href="http://italy.rentalcars24h.com/florence-airport/review" target="_blank">book online</a> in advance.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/9570333356_b94cd36e89_z.jpg" alt="How_to_get_the_best_of_a_weekend_in_Florence_5" /></p><p align="center"><em><span class="font-size-1">source: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/fzGsFw">https://flic.kr/p/fzGsFw</a></span></em></p><p><br />In conclusion, it should be mentioned that Florence is not only a cradle of art and popular shopping center, but also a bastion of traditional Florentine and other Italian cuisine. Locals are rightly proud of their restaurants and trattorias, super-Tuscan and Chianti vintages. Lunch or dinner in one of the local restaurants located at the banks of the river Arno is an excellent way to spend a memorable evening. <br /><br /><br /></p></div>Souvenir Shopping in Europe/Moroccohttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/souvenir-shopping-europe-morocco2015-05-29T20:30:00.000Z2015-05-29T20:30:00.000ZMax Peslinghttps://tripatini.com/members/MaxPesling<div><p><img alt="File:Tourist items, Toledo.JPG" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Tourist_items%2C_Toledo.JPG/800px-Tourist_items%2C_Toledo.JPG" /></p><p><br /> Whether or not you’re a shopper (and I can’t say that I particularly am), I do love me some good <strong>travel mementos</strong>. However, I’m not talking about the rubbish you see at the average stand aimed at tourists who barely know where they are (I’ll never forget the joints hawking spangly Mexican <em>sombreros</em> at the <strong>Leaning Tower of Pisa</strong>).<br /> <br /> Whether you’re shopping for yourself or others, there are certain items that will always be worth seeking out. Paintings and other kinds of art are a prime example – whether charming watercolors from the sidewalk artists of <strong>Montmartre</strong> in <strong>Paris</strong> or <strong>Prague</strong>‘s <strong>Charles Bridge</strong>, or folkloric renderings from the hills of <strong>Guatemala</strong> or <strong>Peru</strong> or the beaches of the <strong>Dominican Republic</strong>. Antiques are another – and they don’t have to be of the pricey variety, either. Local music recordings (though in the era of the MP3 and streaming music, this is less special than it used to be). And of course food and drink are always popular, but these of course get used up – and in some cases (such as some kinds of meats and cheeses) you’re not allowed to bring them through home-country customs. In any case, here are just a few of my favorite specialties:<br /><br /></p><p><strong><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Perfume_Bottles.JPG/240px-Perfume_Bottles.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Perfume_Bottles.JPG/240px-Perfume_Bottles.JPG?width=240" width="240" class="align-right" alt="240px-Perfume_Bottles.JPG?width=240" /></a>France <br /> <br /></strong> So many French products<strong> </strong>are so widely available across <em>le monde</em> these days that it’s not easy to find truly meaningful, unique items in situ.<strong> </strong>But bespoke <strong>perfume</strong> and botanicals would be one of them, blended on the spot.<strong> </strong>If you happen to be down in <strong>Biarritz</strong> or elsewhere in the <strong>French Basque country</strong>, pick up a fine wool beret to cut a rakish figure back home. Similarly, if you get cold winters where you live, a fisherman’s sweater from <strong>Brittany</strong> will keep you stylishly toasty. <br /> <br /> <strong>Linens</strong> from <strong>Provence</strong> are delightful, and the selection (and often the prices) are much better here than you’ll find at home (I have a lovely olive-motif tablecloth at home). Paris fashion of course I don’t have to tell you about (except maybe that there are plenty of options for <strong><em>haute couture</em> </strong>savings, including <strong><em>dépôts ventes</em></strong>and <strong><em>destockages</em></strong>). And of course if you don’t live in a city with a shop that sells <strong><em>macarons</em></strong>, a stop in a shop like <strong>La Durée</strong> in Paris is always a sweet stop indeed.</p><p><strong><strong><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Cuckoo_clocks_in_Freiburg.jpg/320px-Cuckoo_clocks_in_Freiburg.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><br /> <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Cuckoo_clocks_in_Freiburg.jpg/320px-Cuckoo_clocks_in_Freiburg.jpg?width=320" width="320" class="align-left" alt="320px-Cuckoo_clocks_in_Freiburg.jpg?width=320" /></a></strong></strong></p><p><strong>Germany</strong> <br /> <br /> If you ever wanted to own a <strong>cuckoo clock</strong>, here’s your chance to find perhaps the best selection on earth – knocken Sie yourself out. Slightly more portable and affordable, <strong>beer steins</strong> are also quintessentially German, and make a colorful addition to your curio shelf. I could suggest <strong>lederhosen</strong> and <strong>dirndls</strong> as well, but really – the chances of most of you ever wearing such things back home except perhaps on Halloween are pretty minimal. <br /> <br /> Speaking of seasonal holidays, Germany has a frighteningly well developed <strong>Christmas decorations and crafts</strong> tradition (especially beginning in the fall, but also year round in some shops in some cities). Finally and less traditionally, of course, there are still wee, souvenir-size chunks of the <strong>Berlin Wall</strong> floating around (so to speak), sometimes even nicely packaged in lucite and everything.</p><p><img class="aligncenter" alt="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4153/4831463377_1394b23c80_b.jpg" width="1024" height="687" /></p><p><strong><br /> Italy <br /> <br /></strong> My favourite souvenirs come from <strong>Venice</strong>, of course – those would be <strong>Murano glass</strong>, as well as its graceful, even dramatic <strong>Carnival masks</strong>, and <strong>Burano lace</strong> tablecloths, dresses, and other household items and garments. <strong>Faenza pottery</strong> is the country’s most famous ceramics, originating in the city of the same name in <strong>Emilia-Romagna</strong>. Here, too, you’ll find some of that legendary <strong>Italian fashion</strong> (up north outside Milan there are some outlets that can get you smartly attired at a fraction of the stratospheric <em>prezzi</em> on, say, Milan’s <strong>Via della Spiga</strong> and <strong>Rome</strong>'s <a href="http://love2fly.iberia.com/2014/01/rome-in-one-weekend/" target="_blank"></a><strong>Via Condotti</strong>. Keep an eye out for some great <strong>Italian wines</strong>, too, that you won’t see exported.<br /><br /></p><p><strong><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cf/Flickr_-_Nicholas_Ruddick_-_Babouches_2.jpg/320px-Flickr_-_Nicholas_Ruddick_-_Babouches_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cf/Flickr_-_Nicholas_Ruddick_-_Babouches_2.jpg/320px-Flickr_-_Nicholas_Ruddick_-_Babouches_2.jpg?width=320" width="320" class="align-right" alt="320px-Flickr_-_Nicholas_Ruddick_-_Babouches_2.jpg?width=320" /></a>Morocco <br /> <br /></strong> I throw this country across the Strait of Gibraltar in with Europe, because many visitors to Spain pop over here, and this is one exotic place to go shopping as well as touring. <strong>Berber carpets</strong>, <strong>rugs</strong>, <strong>kilims</strong>, and <strong>blankets</strong> are marvelous choices here (I own a couple myself), but the souks and shops of various cities and towns also sell a wide variety of crafts in all price ranges. Top stuff to look for includes <strong>leatherwork</strong> (one particularly characteristic local item are <strong><em>babouches</em></strong>, colorful leather slippers). <strong>Metalwork </strong>items - especially in copper and brass, and often with ornate designs - include trays, lanterns, and frames. <strong>Silverwork</strong> and <strong>silvery jewelry</strong> is also big. Especially in <strong>Essaouira</strong> and relatively nearby <strong>Marrakesh</strong>, look for gorgeous polished <strong>thuya wood</strong> items.<br /><br /></p><p><strong><a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/9591960098_0cb9e10b03_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/9591960098_0cb9e10b03_n.jpg?width=320" width="320" class="align-left" alt="9591960098_0cb9e10b03_n.jpg?width=320" /></a>Netherlands</strong> <br /> <br /> Top of my list here is <strong>Delftware</strong>, that classic blue-and-white glazed pottery – and since this is such as small country, unless you’re really racing through, chances are you could get over to the eponymous and lovely canal city of <strong>Delft </strong>to get some right at the factory (if not, it’s sold elsewhere, of course). And stereotypical as it may seem, the Dutch do indeed love their <strong>tulips</strong>, and if you’re a gardener or flower-lover, you can pick up some <strong>tulip bulbs</strong> here that will bloom into varieties you’re unlikely to see at home, bringing back travel memories down the road. If you want to tote back something a little unusual for your home wet bar, consider a bottle of local <strong>jenever</strong>, the juniper-flavored national tipple similar to gin. And finally, yes, you could always buy a pair of <strong>wooden shoes</strong>, if you’d like to hang them on the wall. But trust me, you won’t want to wear them grocery shopping.<br /><br /></p><p><strong><a href="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1408/897618987_5bf23001bc_m.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1408/897618987_5bf23001bc_m.jpg?width=235" width="235" class="align-right" alt="897618987_5bf23001bc_m.jpg?width=235" /></a>Portugal</strong> <br /> <br /> Top of the list here is <strong>ceramics</strong>, and especially <strong><em>azulejos</em></strong>, <strong>glazed tiles</strong> from the original blue-and-white to gorgeous multicolor extravaganzas, from individual pieces to entire murals. <strong>Wines</strong> are also big (especially <strong>port</strong>, which originates in the eponymous northern city of <strong>Porto</strong>, and a wide variety of the young wine known as <strong><em>vinho verde</em></strong>, which is largely not exported). So is <strong>olive oil</strong> – of which, again, you won’t find much Portuguese-branded product beyond the borders, but the quality can be exquisite. Finally, one final quirky item here is accessories such as <strong>handbags</strong> made from <strong>cork</strong>, of which Portugal is the world’s single largest producer.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></p><p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Saffron-spice_adjusted.jpg/320px-Saffron-spice_adjusted.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Saffron-spice_adjusted.jpg/320px-Saffron-spice_adjusted.jpg?width=320" width="320" class="align-left" alt="320px-Saffron-spice_adjusted.jpg?width=320" /></a><strong>Spain</strong><br /> <br /> Plates, fans, and various other items decorated with intricate <strong>damascening</strong> (<strong><em>damasquinado</em></strong>, top) – gold or silver inlaid onto an dark background – are characteristic of <strong>Toledo</strong>; while nearby <a href="http://love2fly.iberia.com/2014/05/talavera-a-tale-of-two-crockeries/" target="_blank"><strong>Talavera de la Reina</strong></a> has long been famous for ceramics (various other regions of Spain have their own <strong>ceramics</strong> traditions, from <strong>Asturias</strong> to <strong>Valencia</strong>). Spain is also known for its <strong>leatherwork</strong>, from shoes to belts to jackets. For something to put on your walls, how about a <strong>bullfighting</strong> or <strong>flamenco</strong> poster, recent or vintage. <br /> <br /> Edibles and potables include <strong>saffron</strong> (<strong><em>azafrán</em></strong>, left), and a wide variety of tremendous tipples which aren’t necessarily exported from the country’s various wine regions (most especially its sherries from <strong>Jerez</strong>). There are also many delicious <strong>olive oils</strong> that don't pass beyond the country's borders in commercial quantities. And finally, a personal favorite of mine is <strong>sea salt</strong>. Many of the above products can be found in shops in <strong>Madrid</strong>, <strong>Barcelona</strong>, as well as in other larger cities. <br /><br /></p><p>Whew, I am totally all shopped out for now! But there’s more to come: in an upcoming post I'll cover the Americas. <a href="http://love2fly.iberia.com/2014/10/souvenir-shopping-americas-iberiadestinations/" target="_blank"></a><br /> <br /> <br />In the meantime, what have I left out, and what are your favorite souvenirs from your favorite places?</p><p><em><br /><br /></em></p><p><span class="font-size-1"><em>images | <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tourist_items,_Toledo.JPG" target="_blank">Daderot</a>, <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Saffron-spice_adjusted.jpg" target="_blank">Henna</a>, <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Perfume_Bottles.JPG" target="_blank">Vetiver Aromatics</a>, <a title="User:דוד שי" href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cuckoo_clocks_in_Freiburg.jpg" target="_blank">דוד שי</a>, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rinoa10/4831463377/" target="_blank">Alessandra</a>, <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flickr_-_Nicholas_Ruddick_-_Babouches_2.jpg" target="_blank">Nicholas Ruddick</a>, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ninastoessinger/9591960098/sizes/n/" target="_blank">ninastoessinger</a>, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/starrynight1/897618987/sizes/s/" target="_blank">starrynight1</a></em></span></p><p></p><p></p></div>Downtown Galveston, Texas: More Than Just Shopping - It’s Fun!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/downtown-galveston-is-more-than-just-shopping-it-s-fun2012-09-19T12:11:16.000Z2012-09-19T12:11:16.000ZSarah Haranohttps://tripatini.com/members/SarahHarano<div><p>Saengerfest Park at 2302 Strand in downtown <strong>Galveston</strong> is a great meeting place for Galveston residents and visitors. George Mitchell and Mitchell Historic Properties developed the small urban park as the centerpiece of its downtown holdings and, while privately owned, the park is open to the public daily, year round. The park is known for its giant chess set, London-style phone booth and a large compass on one corner. With a central location in the heart of the Strand National Historic Landmark District, Saengerfest Park offers annual free events to the public and easy access to downtown shopping.<br /><br />October at Saengerfest Park offers fun, free movies and music to the Strand. On Saturday, October 6, Movie Nite on the Strand will feature Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” starting Grace Kelly and James Stewart. Visitors are encouraged to purchase dinner at one of the diverse downtown restaurants. Movie goers should plan to bring chairs, blankets and pillows to enjoy the show under the stars. The movie will begin at dusk, weather permitting. <br /><br />On the second and fourth Saturdays of the month beginning at 6 p.m., visitors to Saengerfest Park can enjoy live music during Music Night on The Strand. Saturday, October 13, Music Nite on The Strand will host its first ever Zombie Dance Party with Flash the Robot DJ. The party will feature fire jugglers, zombie makeup artists, and more beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at 10 p.m. Zombie costumes are encouraged. Mitchell Historic Properties offers visitors and opportunity to shake a leg on a complimentary dance floor and provides a limited number of tables and chairs. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own seating and, of course, wear their dancing shoes!<br /><br />On the third Saturday of every month, Saengerfest is home to Market on The Strand. Starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m., Market on The Strand is a festive monthly outdoor event where local artisans, handcrafters and growers can showcase their creations from March-June and September-December.<br /><br />Saengerfest Park will be host to the 2<sup>nd</sup> Annual Saengerfest Mini Monster Bash on October 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family friendly Halloween carnival will feature a costume contest for children ages 0-11, trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses, and numerous family crafts and activities to celebrate the spooky season. Children participating in the costume contest will compete for cutest, scariest and most creative costumes for ages 0-2; 3-5; 6-8 and 9-11.<br /><br />During the holiday season, Saengerfest Park is home to a number of activities including Santa on The Strand and a new display of “Lasers, Lights and Magic at the Park”. Starting Saturday, November 24, Santa Claus will make special appearances from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on non-festival weekends during holiday season, welcoming children to visit and take pictures with him. The park will come alive with lights and magic hourly beginning November 24 during “Lasers, Lights and Magic at the Park,” a part of the Galveston CVB Passport to Holiday Magic. The show will feature a 15-minute laser light performance at the park hourly at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The park will also feature a bit of holiday magic with text-for-snow machines located throughout the facility.<br /><br />Mitchell Historic Properties oversees Galveston properties owned by George Mitchell and the Mitchell family, including commercial and residential properties located downtown and at Pier 21 along Galveston’s historic harbor. The Mitchell’s ongoing preservation of Galveston’s historic downtown helps spark the resurrection of The Strand National Historic Landmark District and Pier 21 as a tourist destination. For leasing information, visit <a href="http://www.MitchellHistoricProperties.com">www.MitchellHistoricProperties.com</a> or call (409) 763-5806.</p></div>Creative Souvenir Shopping in Nosara, Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/creative-souvenir-shopping-in-nosara-costa-rica2015-02-05T22:33:36.000Z2015-02-05T22:33:36.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906689,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906689,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008906689?profile=original" /></a>Shopping in Costa Rica,</b> whether for Christmas gifts or birthdays, etc. is a creative affair in <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/beaches/playa-guiones.html" target="_blank">Playa Guiones, near Nosara</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The eclectic Guanacaste beach community is home to more than 35 talented international and national artists who sell <b>handmade art and products.</b> The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nosara.artisans?fref=ts" target="_blank">Nosara Artisans</a> group always holds an annual <a href="http://www.ceramicadelmar.com/art-shows-ferias-de-arte.html" target="_blank">Holiday Art Fair</a> <b>in Playa Guiones in December</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Artists make everything by hand</b>, such as handmade bikinis and beachwear, unique pottery, glass art, fabric art, jewelry, painting, photography, carved wood art, furniture and lamps. Much of the artwork comes from <b>natural materials found in Nosara and its beaches</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Nosara Artisans</b> was founded in October 2012 to give local artists a place to sell their wares during the holiday and summer season. It is a non-profit collective open to everyone living in the community. <b>More Nosara Artisan art fairs are held during the Costa Rica summer season</b> at the same place and time on January 18, February 8, March 15, and April 4.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907252,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907252,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008907252?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/nosara-costa-rica-worlds-best-travel-destination-2014/" target="_blank">Visit Nosara, Costa Rica</a></p><p> </p><p>The vibrant beach area of <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/the-hotel/location.html" target="_blank">Nosara, Costa Rica</a> is remotely located on the <b>Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste</b>. The fun, eclectic community encompasses the town of Nosara and the <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/beaches.html" target="_blank">beaches of Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada</a>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Playa Guiones</b> is renowned for some of the <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/blog/151-playa-guiones-by-nosara-is-one-of-the-best-surfing-beaches-in-costa-rica-.html" target="_blank">best surfing in Costa Rica</a> and is recommended as a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/nosara-costa-rica-worlds-best-travel-destination-2014/" target="_blank">best place to go in 2014</a>. It is also home to the famous <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/blog/157-yoga-remains-a-cornerstone-of-the-nosara-community.html" target="_blank">Nosara Yoga Institute</a>. There are many fun <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/activities/tours.html" target="_blank">adventure and nature tours in Nosara</a>.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907261,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907261,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008907261?profile=original" /></a>Featuring exotic <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/lacqua-viva-resort-in-costa-rica-sets-off-exotic-bali-style/" target="_blank">Bali-style architecture</a> with fountains, ponds and swimming pools, <strong><a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/" target="_blank">L'acqua Viva Resort & Spa</a></strong> is a top <b>Nosara</b> <b>hotel</b> and the <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">best place to stay at Playa Guiones</a>. The Costa Rica luxury hotel is offering <b>special rates through Dec. 15, 2014.</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Getting to Nosara:</b> Take a domestic flight from either the San Jose International Airport or the Liberia International Airport to Nosara; it is a 10-minute drive to Playa Guiones. Otherwise, it is a 4.5 hour drive from San Jose and 2.5 hours from Liberia.</p><p><br /> <br /></p></div>New York City's Big New Balducci's Food Emporiumhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/best-buys-at-balducci-s2012-03-09T15:32:31.000Z2012-03-09T15:32:31.000ZDenise Mattiahttps://tripatini.com/members/DeniseMattia<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008690489,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008690489,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="9008690489?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Choose any flavor. The gelati at Balducci’s are imported from Italy and taste like no other ice cream – milky, not fatty, with a light, slightly icy texture (without being teeth-shattering), and with just the right amount of sweetness.</p><p>Emil Grosso, VP of the Balducci development at the new 2,150-square-foot Gourmet on the Go Café at 300 West 56<sup>th</sup> Street, asked if I’d care to have a gelato sandwich. Never having tasted it, I was intrigued and mumbled OK, watching while he slit opened a big, soft brioche, slathered amarone gelato on it and finished it off with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. My eyes lit up at first bite. It was the most delicious in-between snack/dessert (I’d have it for breakfast!) ever. Soon everyone was ordering the made-on-the-spot gelato “meal.” It costs $5 – reasonable in New York’s market – and you can choose from six flavors. </p><p>Whole, bright green pistachios (how often do you get that) are in the pistachio gelato, the stracciatella has streaks of dark chocolate throughout (the milk and vanilla mixture is streaked with chocolate, which breaks up when hardened), amarone (cherry syrup and candied sour cherries embedded in vanilla), chocolate, dark chocolate and vanilla.</p><p>Other notables are the Balducci sandwiches made with exceptional fresh and imported ingredients (try the imported prosciutto de Palma (cured ham, tissue-thinly sliced) and the Parmigiano Reggiano (hard, slightly granular cow’s milk cheese made in the provinces of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy).</p><p>Balducci’s got its start in 1916 as a New York City fruit and vegetable stand operated by Italian immigrant, Louis Balducci. I soon became a food-lovers market with locations in Greenwich Village and in Chelsea. Because of the economic downfall, the stores closed in 2009.</p><p>Today, with so many items and dishes the new Balducci’s Gourmet on the Go Café offers, it would be a shame to overlook this New York institution.</p><p> # # #</p><p>Photograph by Denise Mattia </p></div>India's Surajkund Crafts Fair, Where Pakoras Meet Pizzahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/surajkund-mela-where-pakoras-meet-pizza2014-04-04T14:30:00.000Z2014-04-04T14:30:00.000ZThommen Josehttps://tripatini.com/members/ThommenJose<div><p> </p><p><i>The Surajkund Mela is an eye-opener for the city slicker to the best skills from rural India as <b>Thommen Jose</b> found out. Photographs by <b>Raushni Abraham</b></i></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008687072,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008687072,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" class="align-full" alt="9008687072?profile=original" /></a></p><p>You reach Surajkund even before you can say ‘Surajkund Mela’. You are there even before you realise that you are in the outskirts of Delhi. For Delhi-ites used to getting into Gurgaon or Noida for work or shopping, the drive to the annual gala-mela is hardly a drive. Then, it is not exactly supposed to be one either. This little village in Haryana which hogs the limelight every February is hardly 10 kilometres from south Delhi. And that is exactly what the mela is all about: rural India knocking on the doors of urban India and announcing “It’s about time you sat up and took note of me.” Going by the wares our hinterland cousins have in store, you not only take note, but you go all gape-and-fawn. Embrace them and welcome even some of them home.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008687462,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008687462,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="480" class="align-full" alt="9008687462?profile=original" /></a></p><p>This annual get-together of the finest craftsmen from four corners of the country is organised by the Haryana State Tourism Department. Showcasing their finest handicrafts and handloom are 400 handpicked artisans who are recipients of prestigious awards or masters in their respective fields – be it painting or pottery, sculpting or weaving. Participants also include renowned names from SAARC countries. Adding to the gaiety quotient are musicians, folk singers and dancers, street magicians and snake charmers (but without the snakes. “Too many kids running around,” as one charmer explained). Every year the fair focus is on a particular state and this year it was on Assam. A model of a representative village is recreated giving the curious and the interested visitors a peek into the slice of life there. Here you can sample their food, feel their fabric and generally breathe in their air sitting on their veranda. Chat up a few of them lazing about in the charpoys. And if you are really nice, you are even offered tea. It is, as I said, like stepping out of your home into theirs.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008687876,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008687876,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" class="align-full" alt="9008687876?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Walking around the ground, you cannot help but wonder whether the mela is anything more than an overgrown village fair. The looming giant wheels whizzing with squeals of delight, the motorised horses galloping to peals of laughter and the pink candyfloss strung against a blue sky, gobsmacking in the wind...all make it more festive than an exclusive fair. For every wrought-iron art and pashmina stalls you could throw hoops or shoot balloons to win goodies. You could try on a kolhapuri or slurp on a kulfi. Or you could do it all. The choice was yours. It <i>was</i> a village fair that had arrived. In town. Then, probably that is also the charm of it. For the denim-gen, this was like walking into the fond reminiscences of the ‘good old days’ by their <i>dada</i> and <i>dadi</i>. They could now marvel at the narration, even ask informed questions.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296561288,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296561288,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" class="align-full" alt="9296561288?profile=original" /></a></p><p>This year’s edition was bigger than all the previous years: in terms of both vendor and audience participation. But I was told that it was difficult and too early to quantify with exact figures the business volume and the footfall. But suffice it to say that the organisers and participants were all ecstatic with the response. Asking a stall-keeper after business, I got an incredulous smile in return – she was handling three customers the same time. The burning question for a typical Delhi-ite would be how different is the Surajkund Mela from the Dilli Haat next door? For one, the Surajkund Mela is more, fair<i>y</i>. Here, the pervading gaiety mingles with free-wheeling bargains and you are only too happy to take home that hardy leather bag from Agra or the pearl necklace from Hyderabad.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008688492,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008688492,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" class="align-full" alt="9008688492?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Spare a quiet moment from all the jam and jamboree reflecting on the venue. This ‘lake of the sun’ is believed to have been built by the Tomar king Suraj Pal during the 10<sup>th</sup> century. Suraj Pal was a sun worshipper so he built the lake in the shape of the rising sun in an eastward arc. There was even a Sun Temple on its banks from which the lake supposedly got its name. Today, unscrupulous mining in the catchment areas – the surrounding villages of Lakkarpur, Anangpur and Maharajpur – has affected the flow of rainwater into the lake.</p><p>The choice of the Mela venue is undoubtedly a tribute to this historic <i>kund</i>. It would be great if each year’s instalment could also adopt some progressive measures to restore <i>The</i> Surajkund to its original glory.</p><p> </p><p><i>(The writer is a travel writer and can be reached through his travel blog Wanderink.com)</i></p><p> </p></div>The Famous Friday Farmers’ Market in Atenas, Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/the-famous-friday-farmers-market-in-atenas-costa-rica2014-12-02T16:08:47.000Z2014-12-02T16:08:47.000ZDanny Solano Alvarezhttps://tripatini.com/members/DannySolanoAlvarez<div><p style="text-align:justify;"><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Atenas-market-019.jpg"><img src="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Atenas-market-019.jpg" alt="Atenas farmers' market" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8824" height="600" width="649" /></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em>by Shanon Farley</em><br /> <br /> It is a Friday morning in my little mountain coffee town of <b><a title="Atenas, Costa Rica real estate" href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/" target="_blank">Atenas, Costa Rica</a>.</b> The traditional <b>Friday farmers’ market</b>, called a “feria” in Spanish, is abuzz with shoppers and vendors.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Atenas-market-018.jpg"><img src="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Atenas-market-018-267x300.jpg" alt="Fresh flowers at the Atenas Costa Rica market" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-8827" style="margin:6px;" align="right" height="287" width="255" /></a><span style="font-size:13px;"><br /> Mounds of mangoes, melons, watermelon, pineapples and a myriad of other</span> <b style="font-size:13px;">fruits juicily beckon buyers</b><span style="font-size:13px;">. Crisp lettuces, spinach, cilantro and other greens glisten with water droplets. Fat potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, yucca and carrots stack in pyramids.</span> <b style="font-size:13px;">The flower man</b> <span style="font-size:13px;">is doing brisk business cutting stems and wrapping up bright yellow sunflowers, lilies, Gerbera daisies, and a rainbow of other flowers.</span> <b style="font-size:13px;">The herb man</b> <span style="font-size:13px;">sits in his aromatic stall surrounded by</span> <b style="font-size:13px;">cooking and medicinal herbs</b> <span style="font-size:13px;">in packets, bunches and plants. The back corner of the market resembles a mini-nursery with the amount of</span> <b style="font-size:13px;">potted flowers and starter trees on sale</b><span style="font-size:13px;">. Just beyond, gleaming glass cases proudly display</span> <b style="font-size:13px;">fresh meats, cheeses and fish</b><span style="font-size:13px;">. And who can pass up the sweet frosted cinnamon buns, fresh breads, and tempting pies and cookies of</span> <a title="Buen Pan Tomas bakery in Atenas Costa Rica" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Buen-Pan-Tomas-Superb-Bread-in-Atenas/190006714434070" target="_blank" style="font-size:13px;"><b>“Buen Pan, Tomas!” bakery</b></a> <span style="font-size:13px;">run by Atenas residents Tom and Jan Yatsko, from Pennsylvania.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;" align="right"><br /> A hallmark of <b>Atenas culture and tradition</b>, reflecting small town country life, the famous <a title="Atenas Costa Rica Friday Farmer's Market" href="http://costarica.com/destinations/atenas/activities/" target="_blank"><b>Atenas Friday Farmers’ Market</b></a> is one of the things I love best about <b>living in Atenas, <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Atenas-market-015.jpg"><img src="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Atenas-market-015-205x300.jpg" alt="Buen Pan Tomas bakery at the Atenas market" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-8826" style="margin:5px;" align="left" height="300" width="205" /></a><a class="zem_slink" title="Costa Rica" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333&spn=10.0,10.0&q=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333%20(Costa%20Rica)&t=h" target="_blank">Costa Rica</a></b>. The market is so well-known it has been written about in most <a title="Go Visit Costa Rica travel guide on Atenas" href="http://www.govisitcostarica.com/region/city.asp?cID=103" target="_blank">travel guides</a> to Costa Rica and blogged about regularly by new transplant residents.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><b><br /> The farmers’ market recently changed location and got an upgrade</b> at the end of August. Once spread around the edge of a small park by the Central Elementary School in the center of town, the <b>new Farmers’ Market has relocated</b> to the radial road connecting Atenas to Highway 27 (the main highway from San Jose to the Central Pacific Coast). The new locale is quite capacious with open sides and a cavernous permanent roof – in the past vendors suffered under tents and tarps in the rain or blistering summer sun. The floor is smooth, clean concrete, and there are two little lunch counters and modern public restrooms. A <b>free bus shuttles shoppers</b> back and forth to the center of town (5 minutes) every hour.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br /> Whether you are <b>visiting Atenas</b> in one of the many <a title="Vacation rentals in Atenas Costa Rica" href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-vacation-rentals" target="_blank"><b>vacation homes</b></a>, or have already <b>moved to Costa Rica</b>, the <b>Atenas Friday Farmers’ Market</b> is a fun way to spend an hour or two and soak up the local culture. The market is open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Fridays.<br /></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a title="Live in Atenas Costa Rica with Pure Life Development" href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-homes-for-rental-and-sale" target="_blank"><b><br /> Live in Atenas, Costa Rica</b></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br /> The small country town of <a title="Visit Atenas Costa Rica" href="http://costarica.com/atenas/" target="_blank"><b>Atenas</b></a> has been named a <b>top place to retire</b> and is renowned for its <b>great climate.</b> Looking to buy <a title="Real estate in Costa Rica" href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/" target="_blank"><b>real estate in Costa Rica</b></a>? Reliable realtors Dennis Easters and Gerardo Gonzalez-Porras of <a title="Pure Life Development of Atenas" href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/about-us" target="_blank"><b>Pure Life Development of Atenas</b></a> specialize in <b><a title="Atenas Costa Rica homes for sale" href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-homes-for-rental-and-sale" target="_blank">Atenas homes for sale</a>,</b> home rentals, and <a title="Atenas, Costa Rica real estate" href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-land-and-farms-for-sale" target="_blank"><b>Atenas real estate</b></a>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><b> </b></p><p></p></div>After Traveling To Over 80 Countries, Nick Finds His “Maine” Squeezehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/after-traveling-to-over-80-countries-nick-finds-his-maine-squeeze2012-01-27T18:05:26.000Z2012-01-27T18:05:26.000ZNicholas Kontishttps://tripatini.com/members/NicholasKontis<div><p>Kennebunport is the summer home of former president George Herbert Walker Bush and Barbabar Bush, as the Bush their children, including former president, George W. Bush.</p><p>The <strong>Bush compound</strong> (originally <strong>Point Vesuvius</strong>, then <strong>Walker’s Point</strong>), is the summer home of 41st President of the United States George H. W. Bush. Located adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean in southern Maine, near the town of Kennebunkport, the property has been a family retreat for more than a century.</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6400" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Nick-9-15-11-trip-Bush-Compound1.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Bush Compound, Kennebunkport</em></p><p>The estate was purchased in the late 19th century by St. Louis banker George H. Walker, with a mansion being built in 1903. Later, the estate passed on to his daughter Dorothy Walker Bush and her husband Prescott Bush. The estate has since remained in the Bush family.</p><p>President George H. W. Bush spent much of his childhood at the Kennebunkport estate. He inherited the property after the death of his parents. As an adult, Bush, his wife Barbara, and their children George W., Jeb, Marvin, Neil, Dorothy, and Robin spent most summers at the estate. The estate has been a backdrop of family weddings, holidays, and receptions. While at the “Summer White House,” Bush hosted world leaders including Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev for informal and private meetings. As a young man, Bush relocated to Houston, Texas, and today the Bushes maintain a working residence in Tanglewood, where they spend most of their time.</p><p>Bush’s son, Former President George W. Bush, visits with family in Kennebunkport several times a year.</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6410" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Nick-9-15-11-St.-Annes3.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>St. Anne’s Episcopol Church, Kennebunkport</em></p><p>St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, an historic seaside Chapel that offers the opportunity for summer worship, fellowship, and outreach on the coast of southern Maine. Located in Kennebunkport, the picturesque chapel was built in 1887 to serve the communities of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Cape Porpoise. People of all faiths join residents and visitors to the region for Sunday worship, special services and quiet meditation in the park setting overlooking the Kennebunk River and the Atlantic Ocean. Through their generosity, those who worship at St. Ann’s provide assistance to those in need within our community as well as the Diocese of Maine. Additionally, the stone chapel, lush gardens and outdoor chapel are open to the public from sunrise to sunset throughout the summer and early autumn months. St. Ann’s is open from mid-June through September during which time we invite you to join us for worship or simply to reflect on the beauty around us whenever you visit the area.</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6414" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/maine-welcome-to-kunnebunkport2.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Welcome to Kennebunkport</em></p><p>Kennebunkport Maine is an idyllic seaside resort town just 1.5 hours north of Boston. Kennebunkport and Kennebunk Beach offer a complete coastal vacation resort getaway with a wide variety of accommodations, rentals, restaurants, shops and activities. This web site is a directory and guide to the Kennebunks and features five of Kennebunkport’s and Kennebunk Beach’s finest lodging accommodations, resorts, inns and oceanfront rentals.</p><p>There’s far more to do in the Kennebunks than one could possibly enjoy in one visit during the summer. Once in the Kennebunks, you’ll discover why visitors return year round.</p><p>The Kennebunks offer dining from lobster bakes and clam shacks to five-star restaurants. You will discover shopping, summer theater, antiques and art galleries. Take to the sea for whale watch tours, lobster boat tours, schooner trips, canoeing, kayaking or explore the coast by land aboard a scenic trolley tour. Both Kennebunk and Kennebunkport have historic districts steeped in local lore, architecture and offer tours of the homes of sea captains and shipbuilders. Shoppers in search of unique gifts and treasures will find them in the shops and galleries of Dock Square and downtown Kennebunk.</p><p>Kennebunkport visitors can tour the area on bike, foot, by car or by trolley. Or explore the seas aboard a lobster boat, on a whale watch, a charter boat, a kayak or a canoe. You will not want to miss Cape Porpoise and the view of Goat Island Lighthouse.</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6416" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/maine-portland-head-light1.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Portland Head Lighthouse, Port Elizabeth</em></p><p>Maine’s oldest lighthouse. Commissioned by George Washington in 1791. Adjacent to Fort Williams Park. Large grounds with picnic facilities and museum on the premises. 1000 Shore Rd. (off Rt. 77) Cape Elizabeth. 799-2661. Directions – Option One: Follow directions to Cape Elizabeth Light continuing beyond Two Lights Road on route 77 to Shore Road/Portland Headlight. Option Two: Take I-95N to I-295N to Port/Waterfront Exit and stay to left. Take Danforth Street thru 3-4 traffic lights. Take right on State Street and cross over Casco Bay bridge onto Broadway Street. Take right at second traffic light (Cottage Road) to Shore Road. Headlight is on left. On a clear day, you can see six area lights.</p><p>Portland Head Lighthouse is Maine’s oldest Lighthouse and has an adjacent museum.</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6418" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/maine-portland-head-light-21.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Portland Head lighthouse , Port Elizabeth</em></p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6420" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/maine-LL-Bean-Inc1.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>L.L.Bean Super Store, Freeport</em></p><p>Is it possible to travel to Freeport, Maine and not make a stop at the LL Bean Store, or visit the LL Bean Outlet Store. Right in the middle of town. It is difficult to visit Freeport and not stop in the L.L. Bean flagship store and outlet store. You know that you cannot leave Freeport</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6422" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Nick-9-15-11-Reds-Eats-Wiscasit1.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Red’s Eats, Wiscasset</em></p><p>Is there a better place worth waiting in line for? Many people believe that Red’s Eats is the best lobster roll anywhere: Heaps of meat from at least one whole one-pound lobster is extracted in great hunks and piled into a toasted split-top bun that is accompanied by a cup of drawn butter or, if you wish, mayonnaise to garnish it. It is lobster-eater’s nirvana.</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6423" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/maine-booths-bay1.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Boats – Boothbay Harbor</em></p><p>For over a century the Boothbay Harbor region has been a favorite destination of travelers longing to relax and enjoy the “rock bound coast of Maine” from land and sea. With its “snug as a booth” harbor, long peninsula, and numerous islands, the region is renowned for its natural beauty and boating pleasures. A bustling place, Boothbay Harbor retains all the charm and rich heritage of a maritime New England village – white clapboard homes, numerous specialty shops, galleries, boat yards and marinas dot the Harbor’s rocky shoreline.</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6424" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/maine-booths-bay-21.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Charming Boothbay Harbor</em></p><p>Boothbay Harbor boasts the largest fleet of excursion boats on the coast for viewing lighthouses, seals, islands, whales, puffins, and the spectacular foliage in fall. Deep-sea fishing cruises for cod, mackerel, tuna, haddock, and striped bass leave daily for full and half-day trips. Boothbay Harbor’s fine marinas and fishing facilities are well known to yachtsmen cruising the Maine coast. Seafood is the dining specialty – clams, scallops, shrimp and the king of them all LOBSTER.</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6425" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/maine-lobster-sign2.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Lobster Sign, Jonesborough</em></p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6426" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/maine-camden-boats1.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Camden typifies Maine’s coast</em></p><p>A quintessential coastal Maine town at the foot of wooded Camden Hills, the affluent village of Camden sits on a picturesque harbor that no Hollywood movie set could improve on. It has been attracting the gentry of the Eastern Seaboard for more than a century. The mansions of the moneyed set still dominate the town’s…</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6429" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Camden2.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Coastal Maine , is a Boaters Paradise</em></p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6431" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Nick-Acadia-Sunrise3.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Sunrise, Mount Cadillac, Acadia National Park</em></p><p>At 1,532 feet, <strong>Cadillac Mountain</strong> in Acadia National Park is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and is the first place to view sunrise in the United States from October 7 through March 6. It is one of over 20 mountains on Mount Desert Island, Maine, that were pushed up by earth’s tectonic and volcanic forces millions of years ago. Were it not for the once huge glaciers that sheared off their tops, they would be even higher than what we see today. I thought that my hands were frozen. It was cold. Bring gloves.</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6432" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Nick-Acadia-Sunrise-32.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>First Sunrise in America, Mount Cadillac, Acadia National Park</em></p><p>Cadillac Mountain is largely composed of pink granite with forests of spruce and pitch pine. Views of <strong>Acadia National Park</strong> from the top of the mountain are spectacular. And, when combined with tiny subalpine plants (such as cinquefoil), squat, gnarled trees, wild blueberries, and various sized boulders, it is unsurpassed. Bar Harbor, Maine, the most well known town on Mount Desert Island, is to the northeast. The Cranberry Islands are to the southwest. During certain times of the year, visitors to the summit are the first to see the rising sun in the United States.</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6434" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Acadia-Lake1.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Acadia National Park is also a hikers paradise and full of lakes and waterways</em></p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6442" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Thunder-Hole-Acadia3.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Thunder Hole, Rugged , Acadia National Park</em></p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6443" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-thunder-hole1.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Acadia National Park – Thunder Hole</em></p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6444" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-scenes-of-Acadia1.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Acadia National Park on the rocks</em></p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6445" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/maine-acadia-boats2.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Acadia – Fjords and Boats</em></p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6446" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Geddis-Bar-Harbor1.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Local Favorite , Geddi’s in Bar Harbor</em></p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6448" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Nick-in-Bar-Harbor2.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park</em></p><p>Bar Harbor, Maine – One of the Best Places to Visit in Maine & New England</p><p>The magic of Bar Harbor… romance, adventure, the rock-bound coast and soaring granite cliffs…</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6449" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Bass-Harbor-Head-Lighthouse1.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse</em></p><p>Is located at the southern tip of Mount Desert Island, east side of southern entrance to Blue Hill Bay. Nearest town: Bass Harbor. Light all lighthouses in Maine, the grounds are open to the public.</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6438" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Inside-bear-Island-Lighthouse1.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Inside Bear Island Lighthouse</em></p><p>Once a year, Maine opens it’s Lighthouses to the public for entrance. As good fortune would have Sept. 17, 2011, my day in Acadia turned out to be the once a year day and there we were inside Bear Island Lighthouse. A once in a lifetime experience.</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6440" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Moodys-Diner1.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Moody’s Diner, Waldoboro</em></p><p>The blueberry muffins have garnered a gold medal from the <strong>Culinary Hall of Fame, Gourmet</strong> magazine has requested the recipe for the world-famous walnut pie, and <strong>Saveur</strong> magazine named the whoopie pie one of the 100 top food finds of the year in 1999. For 80 years, Moody’s Diner has been a national icon, serving great food to more than a million satisfied customers.</p><p>Those who have been to Moody’s Diner know that Moody’s is not a ‘quaint-on-purpose’ tourist attraction. It is a diner on US Route 1 in Waldoboro, Maine, plain and simple. It has survived, prospered and grown these 80 years because of good food, reasonable prices and quick, pleasant service. There are people who eat at Moody’s every day, and those who come in every time they travel to Maine. All are made welcome. Locals aren’t expected to go elsewhere during tourist season and tourists aren’t gouged for their vacation cash – it’s never going to be that kind of place.</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6452" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Maine-Nick-9-15-11-Nubbel-Lighthouse-York-Maine3.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Nubble Lighthouse, York</em></p><p><strong>Nubble Lighthouse</strong><br /> York, Maine. The Nubble Lighthouse is located on a peninsula between Short and Long Sands Beachs in York Maine. This beautiful landmark is an active light and is located on a small rocky island at the end of the point. This is one of the most scenic and photographed lighthouses in the world. The Nubble is about a half hour south of Kennebunkport.</p><p> </p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6455" alt="" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/maine-nubble-22.jpg" width="800" height="600" /><br /> <em>Tour Buses flock to Nubbel Lighthouse and makes for a wonderful day trip from Kennebunkport</em></p><p><em><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/after-traveling-to-over-80-countries-nick-finds-his-maine-squeeze/">http://trip.worldtravellist.com/after-traveling-to-over-80-countries-nick-finds-his-maine-squeeze/</a></em></p><p> </p><p>A week is not a long time to visit any destination. However, in today’s fast paced world many times we find ourselves traveling on shorter sojourns. One can spend a month in Maine, or a week. Short sojourns also can be rewarding. The fact that one cannot see everything actually make a trip easier. Yes, it is possible to travel for 4 – 7 days and to come back with a lifetime of memories.</p><p>A “taste of Maine” is indeed very sweet.</p><p><em>About Nick: At any early age Nick Kontis took a back pack and went around the world. Upon his return he founded the first travel agency specializing is discount around the world airfares. Having sent over 10,000 travelers around the world, Mr. Kontis also continues to travel the world.</em></p></div>Shopping in Cancunhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/shopping-in-cancun2014-07-24T11:01:02.000Z2014-07-24T11:01:02.000ZIberostar Hotels & Resortshttps://tripatini.com/members/IberostarHotelsResorts<div><p><a href="http://passportto.iberostar.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/CAR_CancunShopping.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://passportto.iberostar.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/CAR_CancunShopping.jpg?width=650" width="650" class="align-center" alt="CAR_CancunShopping.jpg?width=650" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><p>Shopping is an something that most travelers love to do. While on vacation it’s always fun to practice the art of hunting out the most exotic and exclusive locales with the most original products or, even better, getting a bargain for that special item you always wanted but couldn’t afford. And Cancun is a destination with more on offer than you could have imagined. Losing yourself in enormous shopping malls and haggling at the stands that line the plazas can really make your stay in this Mexican town a 5-star experience! It’s also a tax free zone so there are some great bargains to be found if you’re looking!<br /> <br /> <strong style="font-size:13px;">Here are some of the places you can go shopping:<br /> <br /></strong> <span style="font-size:13px;">In malls like La Laguna with over 150 stores, you will find sophisticated products and the best brands. Located in the town’s hotel zone, it is built around a maze of canals and bridges that lend it a Venice-like feel. As well as the stores, there are a great many restaurants and cinemas showing movies in English and Spanish.<br /> <br /></span> <span style="font-size:13px;">Plaza Kukulkán and Luxury Avenue are similar. Both are situated in the same hotel zone and boast world exclusive boutiques. Here you will find everything you ever dreamed of having but never dared to buy at home. It also has a wide range of high class restaurants and cafés, as well as a bowling alley, in case you need to come back to reality with a moment of recreation.<br /> <br /></span> <span style="font-size:13px;">But if you’re looking for something more general, Plaza Flamingo and Plaza Caracol are the places for you. In both malls you will find endless products, from big brands to small souvenir and craft shops, as well as any kind of object you might need during your stay in Mexico. Add to this the wide range of leisure and restaurant facilities, and you can see why these are unmissable places to visit.<br /> <br /></span> <span style="font-size:13px;">But if this is not enough and you are looking for the same stores you will find anywhere in the world, head to Plaza Las Américas. Very close to the hotel zone, it boasts outlets for the best known brands in the world as well as English and Spanish cinemas and many restaurants. You’ll find anything you need here.<br /> <br /></span> <span style="font-size:13px;">For those who prefer something a little more traditional, Mercado 28 offers something different to the rest with a great many stalls selling Mexican handcrafts, souvenirs and jewelry at half the price you would pay in the hotel zone. The explosion of color is the perfect complement to Plaza Bonita – a recreated Mexican village with facades representing different regional architecture, wrought iron balconies and everything just as visitors would imagine Mexico to be like. Full of craft and art boutiques, locals say that if you don’t find the perfect memento in either of these two places, you won’t find it anywhere in Cancun.</span></p><p> </p><blockquote><p><em>“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has a luxurious complex in Cancun. <strong><a href="http://www.iberostar.com/hoteles/cancun">The IBEROSTAR Cancun</a></strong>, an all-inclusive 5-star hotel located in an unbeatable spot on <strong>the beach front</strong>. Awarded the “AAA Four Diamond Award”, IBEROSTAR Cancun is the only All Inclusive hotel complex offering a golf course and spa. It is without doubt the best place to enjoy an idyllic vacation in Cancun.”</em></p><p></p></blockquote></div>